Duke Lacrosse Team
I haven't blogged about the uproar going on in North Carolina over the allegations that members of the Duke University lacrosse team had raped a black female exotic dancer. The alleged incident took place at a party in a house where some team members lived. It's been all over the news, often reported as a "Poor townies against rich, privileged college folks". There have been repeated protests, the Duke lacrosse coach resigned and the season was canceled. 46 of the 47 team members were ordered to submit DNA samples.
Lawyers for the team members announced today that the DNA tests had cleared the accused players. Provided this is true (and the local prosecutor clammed up all of a sudden after being very vocal earlier) will the people who protested apologize? Will the press that cast doubt and aspersions on the players apologize?
Just wondering.
UPDATE: AP story here. It's from the Fox News site and has a picture of one of the protests. More coverage from a local outlet. This one has a detail omitted so far by all the wire service reports I have read on the; the prosecutor is facing reelection in about 3 weeks. Think politics has anything to do with this?
Nifong said the DNA results do not end anything.
“I’m not saying it’s over. If that’s what they expect, they will be sadly disappointed,” Nifong said at a candidate forum Monday night. “They can say anything they want, but I’m still in the middle of my investigation. … I believe a sexual assault took place.”
Based on what, Mr. Nifong? If there is no DNA, the accusers story is in ruins. There is nothing to continue persecuting the accused with. They will beat hell out of you in criminal court and will likely be in a very good position to pound you in civil court for wrongful prosecution. If your election strategy includes persecuting innocent victims for political gain, you don't deserve reelection.
And Lashawn Barber leaves a mark. A big mark.
Other Links to this Post
-
Blue Crab Boulevard » Blog Archive » Duke Lacrosse Team Update — April 17, 2006 @ 3:04 pm
By Mike's America, April 10, 2006 @ 9:46 pm
“will the people who protested apologize? Will the press that cast doubt and aspersions on the players apologize?”
Too funny!
By Gauis Arbo, April 10, 2006 @ 10:07 pm
Too sad, I think. We both know they won’t – it all will just disappear down the memory hole.