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Ex-Syracuse assistant coach Bernie Fine drops lawsuit against ESPN, wife Laurie’s suit pending in federal court

On Tuesday, attorneys for Bernie Fine -- a former Syracuse men’s basketball assistant coach -- announced that their client was dropping his defamation lawsuit against ESPN, according to the Associated Press.

Three weeks ago, it was reported that Fine was suing the company for $11 million. Tuesday afternoon, Fine’s attorneys from Harris Beach PLLC issued the following statement:

“On Tuesday, July 2, 2013, Bernie Fine filed a voluntary Notice of Dismissal of his lawsuit against ESPN, ending all litigation. Although Mr. Fine and his attorneys are convinced that his legal claim has merit, Mr. Fine desires to finally put all of the turmoil of the past year and a half behind him, so that he may concentrate on his future as well as the future of his family. Mr. Fine has been and continues to be overwhelmed by the many, many friends who have stood by him and who provided him with the strength to get through the most difficult time in his life. He will be forever grateful for their support and friendship.”

The 67-year-0ld Fine sued ESPN over broadcasts from November 2011, claiming he molested two former Cuse ball boys two decades earlier. Fine, though investigated, was never charged.

Although Bernie Fine dropped his suit with ESPN, his wife Laurie has a separate defamation suit against the same company. The AP, reported that Laurie’s lawsuit is pending in federal court.

Bernie Fine was fired by Syracuse on Nov. 27, 2011.

Terrence is also the lead writer at NEHoopNews.com and can be followed on Twitter: @terrence_payne