Syracuse sex abuse investigation broadens, as Bernie Fine is fired

The feds have joined the investigation into Syracuse assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine, who was fired Sunday over allegations that he sexually abused at least three boys during his 36-year tenure.

Fine, 65, is the target of a grand jury investigation into accusations that he molested a former ball boy, Bobby Davis, now 39; his stepbrother, Mike Lang, 45; and at least one other boy, Zach Tomaselli, 23.

The U.S. Attorney's office and the U.S. Secret Service are now involved in the probe. Last night, Syracuse police agreed to hand over records of child molestation allegations against Fine, saying the federal involvement took the probe to a "new phase," the Associated Press reported.

Fine's firing came after ESPN aired a recording of a 2002 phone call between Davis and Fine's wife, Laurie, in which she alludes to knowing about the alleged molestation but says she was powerless to stop it.

"Bernie has issues, maybe that he's not aware of, but he has issues," Laurie allegedly said. "And you trusted somebody you shouldn't have trusted."

Laurie Fine is expected to issue a statement today saying that the recording was "tampered with," her nephew, Matt Govendo, told CNN.

Davis has also claimed he also had an affair with Laurie, who has been married to Fine for 26 years.

The budding scandal has rocked the multi-million dollar world of college sports, already reeling from allegations of abuse and possible cover-ups at football powerhouse Penn State. Former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky was fired and faces 40 sexual abuse charges, and legendary football coach Joe Paterno also lost his job in the scandal.

(with Reuters)