JB and perspective (calling out "liars")

[slidingdown]

If someone accuses my friend of something and says that I knew about it, and I know the accusations regarding my knowledge are false (because I, being me, am the only one who knows what I know), then I am going to assume the rest of the story is BS as well. And, if I am a good friend of the accused and if I am (ahem) at times persnickety with the press, then my response may be bit vitriolic as well.

JB called Davis a liar, and regarding what JB knew for sure, Davis was a liar. At no time did he refer to all people claiming they were abused as liars. Just the ones who accused him of knowledge he did not have.

Man, I hope that's the way other people see it. I would kill to be just talking about basketball right now.

 

[arbitragegls]

...and the "Cuse maybe #3 or #4 this week...Bernie is dead for all perspective and JB should be fine...no pun

 

[Dick_in_MI]

If someone accuses my friend of something and says that I knew about it, and I know the accusations regarding my knowledge are false (because I, being me, am the only one who knows what I know), then I am going to assume the rest of the story is BS as well. And, if I am a good friend of the accused and if I am (ahem) at times persnickety with the press, then my response may be bit vitriolic as well.

JB called Davis a liar, and regarding what JB knew for sure, Davis was a liar. At no time did he refer to all people claiming they were abused as liars. Just the ones who accused him of knowledge he did not have.

Man, I hope that's the way other people see it. I would kill to be just talking about basketball right now.

Well, it's starting to look like JB did NOT know if the statements were true or false, isn't it? He also said the accusers were out for money, let's not forget that.

If JB had said "he's lying in saying I saw him in Bernie's bed", that's one thing...assuming JB is telling the truth. It's another thing to launch into the "thousand lies" statement and the "looking for money" statement.

JB took it upon himself to make statements that basically end up being the de-facto public position of his employer (because of his high profile). That reflects poorly on the institution; not just JB.

 

[shermstheman]

...and the "Cuse maybe #3 or #4 this week...Bernie is dead for all perspective and JB should be fine...no pun

I don't think JB is in good shape here. He is responsible for the program. If a kid skips class, he should know about. If a kid gets a parking ticket, he should now about it. If Fine is involved in this behavior...for many years...JB should be aware of it. There had to be points where JB must've wondered...I'm now more believing that these boys were visible to JB. He must've noticed something "different" and should have explored it. He can be labeled as niave, stupid or uncaring...in none of these cases does it reflect well on him. They are great friends and JB has no suspicion? He has a suspicion and does nothing to protect the victims or help his friend seek help? It doesn't wash. I love JB and I hope there is a better interpretation that I, for one, can accept.

 

[007]

Well, it's starting to look like JB did NOT know if the statements were true or false, isn't it? He also said the accusers were out for money, let's not forget that.

If JB had said "he's lying in saying I saw him in Bernie's bed", that's one thing...assuming JB is telling the truth. It's another thing to launch into the "thousand lies" statement and the "looking for money" statement.

JB took it upon himself to make statements that basically end up being the de-facto public position of his employer (because of his high profile). That reflects poorly on the institution; not just JB.

He is the "hall of fame" face, highest paid, and unquestioned leader of THE highest profile program at the University, and one of the highest profile programs in the country. He is synonymous with Syracuse University. The court is named after him for christ-sake. SU can not disassociate from JB's words in the court of public opinion or scrutiny by the media. He put more than himself and his "personal" opinion on the line with the "thousand lies" accusation and definitive statement that the motive was money. He may not be legally liable (so I've been told), but that kind of reckless disregard for the potential that the victims could be telling the truth, that Fine could still be hurting children, is reprehensible. The SU brand will be damaged ($$$). Cantor will have little choice but to hold JB accountable for his behavior.

 

[OrlandoCuse]

JB was just naive to the web of lies that Fine has been spinning for decades. Often, when you are too close to someone, you believe their word more than you should.

 

[SarasotaPaul]

You have zero reason for putting any labels on JB given everything that was know prior to this resurfacing. Lets not conveniently forget 3 prior investigations. Should JB have called for a 4rth investigation? Try labeling him a trusted and loyal friend whose friend may have let him down severely. Who out there knows every closet skeleton about each of their friends? For that matter even a portion of the skeletons the friend may be concealing. Step forward and be counted.

 

[MadNY3]

He is the "hall of fame" face, highest paid, and unquestioned leader of THE highest profile program at the University, and one of the highest profile programs in the country. He is synonymous with Syracuse University. The court is named after him for christ-sake. SU can not disassociate from JB's words in the court of public opinion or scrutiny by the media. He put more than himself and his "personal" opinion on the line with the "thousand lies" accusation and definitive statement that the motive was money. He may not be legally liable (so I've been told), but that kind of reckless disregard for the potential that the victims could be telling the truth, that Fine could still be hurting children, is reprehensible. The SU brand will be damaged ($$$). Cantor will have little choice but to hold JB accountable for his behavior.

So very well said.

Everyone saying "good for him" and "I'd want a friend to do that for me" are blinded to pragmatic realities. It could very look like Boeheim mocked and bullied a victim of child abuse. Nationally.

Don't give me crap saying he didn't have all the facts or data...blasting a potential victim in a legal situation ain't the same as complaining nig about a referee call.

When the time is right, and I bet it is soon, Boeheim is going to be drinking a ton of mea culpa for this. As he should.

 

[orangehipfan]

JB was OK to back Bernie but overstepped his boundaries talking about a thousand lies etc... It is OK to say I have known Bernie for almost 50 years but not OK to call out the accuser (which is what he did). He should have been much smarter and I am surprised the university let him make the initial statement if they had knowledge of it.

No clue if he will survive this but it would be a horrible way to end his career at SU if it ends that way. He needs to REALLY make a sincere and contrite apology.

And, what other skeletons are in the closet in the Fine household? This get more strange by the minute.