| By MARYCLAIRE DALEBill Cosby stepped down as a trustee of his beloved Temple University following renewed accusations that he had drugged and sexually assaulted a string of women over many years.
The 77-year-old entertainer has been a high-profile booster for his alma mater in Philadelphia and a board member since 1982.
"I have always been proud of my association with Temple University. I have always wanted to do what would be in the best interests of the university and its students. As a result, I have tendered my resignation," Cosby said in a statement released by the university.
Board chairman Patrick O'Connor told The Associated Press that the comedian does not want to be a distraction.
"The Board of Trustees accepts Dr. Cosby's resignation ... and thanks him for his service," the university said in its release.