Unlike the Penn State affair, Syracuse head basketball coach Jim Boeheim isn't even on the radar as far as any possible wrongdoing. If reports are accurate, JB had no knowledge of any alleged, repeat ALLEGED sexual misconduct by his former assistant Bernie Fine.
No, it seems JB's crime against humanity was sticking up for a friend. Now I don't know about you, but if a friend of mine committed an atrocious crime, say, rape, murder, or heaven forbid, child molesting, upon being convicted of same, I would want and expect that person to be severely punished for his/her actions.
But would they still be my friend? Of course. That wouldn't go away. A true friend won't pretend he/she never knew you, much less "throw you under the bus", just because it's politically, socially, or economically expedient to do so, especially under the hot glare the media can shine on occasion. He/she may have done something awful, but they're still my friend, dammit. According to Boeheim, Fine was a friend of his for 50 years. That's a long time.
In my opinion, it's also where Boeheim made a tactical error. Now he's apologizing for whatever he said while initially sticking up for his friend. He's so sorry for any remarks that may have offended anyone. That's not only lame, but a bad move.
Boeheim's been coaching Syracuse for what -- 36 years? Not that it should matter, but it's likely he has many millions in the bank somewhere, so possible financial hardship certainly doesn't enter in. And unless Coach K of Duke steps down anytime soon, also unlikely, Boeheim will never catch his record for all-time wins, Coach Pat of the Lady Vols notwithstanding. In other words, his job shouldn't be a major concern.
The bad move is wimping out and apologizing in the first place when he didn't do anything more wrong than stand by a friend in time of need. These days, with the media being the proverbial pack of wolves, taking a step back just makes matters worse. They sense weakness, even more wolves show up smelling blood, and begin to circle for the kill.
Better to take one's chances holding their ground and staring the original wolves down. Maybe it works and maybe it doesn't, but the alternative is being chased through the woods and eventually having one's carcass picked clean, because they don't care. After all, it's just their nature as wolves.
Even if one does something terrible, it should be decided in a court of law after all the evidence has been presented, and the jury has rendered it verdict. Not amongst the mentality of a pack of hungry wolves.
And a true friend? They would have stood by you in the woods, with all those teeth and eyes (microphones and cameras) staring at you, let alone a court of law.
In the end, Jimbo wimped out after 50 years.
That's not orange. That's yellow.
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