SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Syracuse Police said SU men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim struck and killed a man in a traffic accident Feb. 21. Investigators said Boeheim swerved while trying to avoid a car that had crashed into a guard rail on the side of I-690 around midnight. The Syracuse police department confirmed no alcohol was involved. Adam Weistman, a close friend, spoke with Boeheim on the phone the morning of Feb. 21.
“He’s devastated. He said the person was in the middle of the road, in the middle of the highway. It was dark out and the weather was horrible with the snow. He said there was just no way to avoid it. He feels horrible for the person and the family,” Weistman said.
The incident comes just three days ahead of the biggest basketball game of the year. Syracuse faces Duke in the Carrier Dome on Saturday. Weistman said Boeheim would not coach the team’s practice the day after the accident.
“Well, I know today he’s just going to go in and talk to his kids. They are scheduled to practice today. He’s not going to coach the practice. You know, out of respect for the family he’s just wants to go in and talk to the kids, to the team. But he’s going to let his coaches handle practice today,” Weistman said.
In light of the incident, ESPN decided not to host College GameDay at Syracuse last weekend.
Syracuse director of athletics John Wildhack issued a statement saying the community extends its condolences to the family of the victim. Both the Athletic Department and the Syracuse Police Department said Boeheim is fully cooperating with local authorities.
