The third accuser in the Bernie Fine sex abuse case admitted to falsifying portions of emails he sent to multiple media outlets Friday. This news comes exactly a week after Fine’s fourth accuser recanted his story.

Zach Tomaselli, the third person to make allegations against Fine, said he doctored the emails to gain support for his claims but did not recant his story. Floyd VanHooser said he made up claims that the former associate head men’s basketball coach had molested him because of a personal vendetta against Fine.

With this news unfolding, a shadow of doubt and an extra layer of confusion are cast on the case, which has thrust Syracuse University into national headlines since mid-November.

The news calls the testimony of the first two alleged victims into question. Regardless of the legitimacy behind Bobby Davis’ and Mike Lang’s claims about their interactions with Fine, public opinion of the allegations is changing.

Other victims of sexual abuse will be adversely affected because of Tomaselli and VanHooser’s actions. If more victims come forward against Fine, their stories will be automatically scrutinized and possibly discounted.

Though allegations of sexual abuse must be taken seriously, any alleged victims — in this case or any future cases — will have additional obstacles to overcome. It is never easy for victims to come forward, and this will only complicate the situation for other accusers.

On the same day Tomaselli publicly accused Fine in an article published by The Post-Standard and ESPN released a taped phone call between Fine’s wife and Davis, Fine was fired from the university. Tomaselli’s accusations were partially to blame for Fine being fired from the university.  

Published on January 22, 2012 at 12:00 pm

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