Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim made his first public remarks in reference to a tragic accident that took place earlier in the week following Syracuse’s 75-65 loss to Duke on Saturday night.
Prior to the game, there was a moment of silence for 51-year-old Jorge Jimenez, who was struck by Boeheim’s vehicle on Interstate 690 in Syracuse on Wednesday night following SU’s win over Louisville, according to police. No tickets were issued and alcohol was not a factor, according to authorities.
Boeheim is not expected to face any legal ramifications from the incident, according to police.
“I just can’t describe the feelings that I have, that I’ve had since Wednesday night,” Boeheim said during his post game press conference. “I’ve always felt in life, you get a lot of things you have to overcome. There’s nothing like this. A human life is lost and you’re there.”
Syracuse announced on Friday that Boeheim would coach against Duke, and he was greeted with an ovation prior to the game. He met Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski at midcourt and the two hugged, sharing an extended embrace.
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The two have been long time friends, and Boeheim was part of Krzyzewski’s coaching staff for three gold medal runs with Team USA.
It briefly caught Krzyzewski off guard.
“He’s not a hugger,” Krzyzewski said. “He’s not. I thought when he came in he was swept up in the emotion. I know he was feeling this. I’m glad he coached. What the hell else is he supposed to do? It’s what he does.”
Boeheim was particularly touched by the Carrier Dome crowd, which set an on-campus attendance record with 35,642 fans.
“The support we got was unbelievable tonight,” Boeheim said. “And to see so many of my fellow community members rally around the Jimenez family is a reminder of how special Central New York is.”
Jimenez’s family has set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for funeral expenses.
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