What’s worse than being a liar? Falsely – and knowingly – accusing someone else of being one.

Completely unconnected yet intrinsically linked, both Penn State and Syracuse universities are under fire for child molestation charges surrounding athletic coaches.  While the charges against former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky have been hovering publicly over the university for weeks, the allegations against Big Orange’s associate head basketball coach, Bernie Fine, surfaced just Sunday night.

Both universities have done a poor job handling media relations – and both have used possibly the worst public relations move in the books: Accusing the accusers, without a shred of supporting evidence.

When the charges against Fine initially were brought to light, Syracuse Head Coach Jim Boeheim was anything but sympathetic to the three alleged victims who came forward. He called them “liars” in the media and accused them of just being out for the money. Similarly, now-former Penn State University President Graham Spanier implied in his media release that the victims in Sandusky’s case were lying: “I am confident the record will show that these charges are groundless,” he wrote.

Besides being boldly insensitive, it was a big mistake.

In both situations, the price is high for covering-up information and completely disregarding victims’ legitimate allegations. Yet one school is learning from the other’s blunders. While Penn State foot-dragged and cancelled press conferences, Syracuse has been proactive in its crisis communications plan. For that, it should be commended.  In an effort not to repeat the serious lapses of Penn State — and after seeing Spainer lose his job — Syracuse Chancellor Nancy Cantor has taken the right steps to uncover the cover-up.

In a release Sunday night, the school announced upfront and outright, “At the direction of Chancellor Cantor, Bernie Fine’s employment with Syracuse University has been terminated, effective immediately.” No games. No deflections of blame. No cover-ups. And Cantor wants you to know this is under her order.

As a Sports Illustrated column so eloquently explains, “Syracuse is learning a lesson from Penn State, a lesson that every university and major institution needs to learn: When an accusation like this hits you, don’t hit back.  And the best way to protect yourself is not to look like you’re protecting yourself at all.”

And that’s no lie.

Art Basel is coming to town and those who sell Miami real estate know it’s time to hustle. Besides the numerous events going on throughout the week, competition starts for real estate developers to catch the attention of all the wealthy potential buyers flying into town. The New York Post put the spotlight on big buyers swooping in for Art Basel parties and how brokers all over the city are busy planning exclusive parties. For example, Canyon Ranch Miami Beach will host a breakfast for collectors from three galleries and The Related Group’s new MyBrickell condo will host a lunch reception with designer Karim Rashid.

To read the full New York Post article and see a list of events click here.

Also, check out Bal Harbour Shops for all your fashion necessities for the week of Art Basel.

Congratulations to LYND for its purchase of $49 million in distressed notes secured by three apartment buildings in Florida. LYND has been one of the most active players in the distressed commercial real estate market having purchased $400 million in notes since January 1.  President and COO A. David Lynd talks about the company’s latest deal with Globestreet.

To read the article, click here.

With 46 seasons as the head coach of a prestigious football program, more victories than any other major college coach and two national championships, it’s a shame that Penn State’s Joe Paterno might be ending his legacy with such a disgraceful final chapter.

Jerry Sandusky, a former defensive coordinator for the Nittany Lions, was arrested on 40 charges, including sexually abusing eight boys across a 15-year period. Following his arrest, Paterno and university President Graham Spanier have come under fire for failing to report what they knew of the allegations.

This is a serious issue and the university needs to implement a proper crisis communications plan in order to salvage the reputation of the school and its officials. So, what has Penn State done?

Release a statement from Paterno and elect the PR approach of evading all questions. Paterno stated that he was not neglectful and at the time he referred the matter to university administrators. He hoped to continue with the weekly press conference scheduled for yesterday afternoon requesting that media questions only pertained to this weekend’s game against Nebraska and stating, “In the meantime I would ask all Penn Staters to continue to trust in what that name represents… and not let these events shake their beliefs nor who they are.”

Nice try. In the wake of a major scandal involving a beloved football program, do we really think limiting the media’s question is the best way to go? No, Penn State canceled the press conference less than an hour before its scheduled time. Over 100 media members from local and national media were handed a brief statement and turned away. Paterno also canceled his appearance on the weekly Big Ten coaches conference call.

Penn State needs a better crisis plan and face the music, or in this case, the media. Avoiding the media is only raising more questions. Dodging questions and canceling events gives off the feeling that there is something to hide.

Had the press conference gone on as scheduled, Paterno and Penn State would’ve been able to tell the story from their side. Instead the media got their information elsewhere. Anyone familiar with media relations can tell you: the media will not take kindly to being kept in the dark.

On Tuesday night, Paterno took it upon himself and addressed the media and students outside his home hoping to save his reputation in the eyes of the students. However, this morning Paterno confirmed that he will retire at the end of the season, ending 62 years on the Penn State coaching staff – and is potentially facing criminal charges for perjury, obstruction of justice and violating the state’s Child Protective Services Law (According to SportsIllustrated.com).

“With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.”  – Paterno’s closing statement.

Only 72 days after her televised  $10 million dollar fantasy wedding, Kim Kardashian has filed for divorce.

Keeping Up With The Kardashians producer Ryan Seacrest tweeted the news Monday morning, and E! News issued a confirming statement some hours later.

But don’t worry, Kim K will be more than a-okay.

Forbe’s Magazine column, “Kim Kardashian’s Divorce Could Be Good for Business” makes it clear that the divorce won’t just leave the Kardashian brand untarnished, it will even enhance it. With her fame rooted in reality drama (after all she got her start with a sex tape!), you better believe that every media source is doing their best to keep up with this Kardashian.

People tune in for the drama, and Kim will undoubtedly make bank crying all over the sets of E! News, Ellen, and People Magazine.  This media traffic will ultimately drive more viewers back to the show, which will, again, drive more dough back into Kim’s back pocket. Pun intended.

So don’t feel bad for Kim, who ends her marriage with no kids, no mutual assets, and a prenuptial agreement. Forbes estimates that she made $12 million dollars just last year, while her ex-hubby Kris Humphries has made a total of $16 million over his seven-year basketball career.

Kim has no reason to instate a crisis communications plan.  All she needs to worry about is who keeps the $2 million dollar ring and the teacup dog.