Bernie Fine, the Syracuse basketball associate head coach who has been accused of molesting two former team ball boys, has denied the allegations in a statement released by his lawyer, Karl J. Sleight, on Friday:

‘Simply put, these allegations are patently false in every aspect. The fact is these allegations have been thoroughly investigated multiple times. When evaluating the veracity of these accusations, please keep in mind that credible media outlets were approached in the past to publicize these false allegations and declined to do so. I fully cooperated with all past inquires.

‘Sadly, we live in an allegation-based society and an Internet age where in a matter of minutes one’s life long reputation can be severely damaged. I am confident that, as in the past, a review of these allegations will be discredited and restore my reputation. I hope the latest review of these allegations will be conducted expeditiously.

‘Finally, I appreciate the Chancellor’s statement that I should be accorded a fair opportunity to defend myself against these accusations. I fully intend to do so. There should never be a rush to judgment when someone’s personal integrity and career are on the line.’

rjgery@syr.edu