Now that "the innocent can be ruled out" I hope that the opportunistic Mike Nifong, the Durham community, the media and the nation can apologize to the Duke men's lacrosse team just as quickly as they crucified them. It seems only appropriate as they essentially temporarily, if not permanently, ruined these kids lives. Aside from the "pot and pan banging" and the ubiquitous brouhahas instigated by the protesters, these kids were defamed and ostracized by their own university and their peers.
In no way do I condone rape, underage drinking or anything that is criminal, but aside from the underage drinking, which is ever present on Duke's campus, I don't think these men committed any criminal actions. People were so quick to condemn the issues that they ignored the facts.
Speaking as a senior I feel truly sorry for the seniors on the lacrosse team. Instead of enjoying their senior season and graduating from Duke as a student-athlete, these men are blessed with no season and potentially jeopardized futures. I sincerely hope that these seniors are able to celebrate graduation with the rest of us.
As for these rest of the members of the team, I encourage you not to transfer. People here support you. The DNA was meant to rule out the innocent, and it seems it has.
While having a party with strippers and underage drinkers was probably not the smartest thing, it is not rape. The lacrosse team should not be charged with a crime they didn't commit by the courts, by the media, or by their peers.
I plan on going to law school next year and this travesty has only confirmed my conviction that things need to be changed. Scheming prosecutors, media moguls and overzealous protesters need to wait to make judgment until they have all the facts. The public's thirst for justice should be greater than its thirst for a good story. After all, patience is a virtue.
Jenny Mendelsohn
Trinity '06
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