Syracuse coach accuser says he made it all up

(AP) LEWISTON, Maine - A Maine man says he lied when he accused former Syracuse assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine of molesting him.

Zachary Tomaselli of Lewiston said Friday that he fabricated the allegations and took pride in his ability to convince people his claims were true. He told The Associated Press he's a "habitual liar and sociopath" who lacks feelings for others.

Two other men made accusations against Fine but prosecutors say too much time had passed to consider charges related to their allegations.

DA: Statute of limitations prevents Fine charges

Federal prosecutors examining Tomaselli's claim did not comment. A district attorney said in December that evidence undercut Tomaselli's credibility.

Fine has not been charged and has denied the abuse claims. His attorney declined comment Friday.

Tomaselli begins serving a prison sentence next week for molesting a boy in Maine.

In January, a prison inmate who also accused Fine of sexual abuse admitted that he made up his claim.

One Bernie Fine accuser admits to lying

The accuser, Floyd VanHooser, wrote in a letter that he lied to police and in December interviews with The Associated Press and The Post-Standard newspaper of Syracuse. He said he wanted to get back at Fine, because Fine did not hire a lawyer to help VanHooser fight a criminal conviction.