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Philadelphia Sportswriter Accused Of Child Molestation

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Baseball Hall of Fame sports columnist Bill Conlin of the Philadelphia Daily News retired abruptly today after learning that he's been accused of molesting underage girls decades ago.

A story being published in the Philadelphia Inquirer (a sister publication of the Daily News) says that Conlin is being accused by more than one alleged victim, and reports that the accusations are "documented," although it was not immediately clear what that meant.

George Bochetto, Conlin's attorney, denounced the accusations today. "Mr. Conlin is obviously floored by the allegations, which supposedly happened 40 years ago. He has engaged me to do everything possible to bring the true facts forward and to vindicate his name," Bochetto said.

The Daily News confirms that Conlin retired but declined to say why. They said they expected to issue a statement soon.

Conlin has worked for the Daily News since 1965, after five years with the Evening Bulletin. According to his Daily News biography he has covered 37 World Series, six Olympics, five Wimbeldons, and more. He was named to the journalism wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame this summer.

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