Better Late Than Never, or Too Little Too Late: Duke Apologizes to Lacrosse Players

The Associated Press reports that Duke University President Richard Brodhead, in a speech at the school’s law school, today apologized to the university’s three lacrosse players falsely accused of rape. Brodhead admitted that the Duke administration did not do enough to send a clear message that the administration expected fair treatment of the players, and apologized for a university response that left the players and their families feeling abandoned “when they most needed support.” Brodhead also conceded that his administration did not make it sufficiently clear that the group of rabble rousing faculty who publicly branded the lacrosse players before the facts head been heard did not speak for the university. The question is whether Brodhead’s mea culpa is sufficient. To be sire, he is to be commended for apologizing and taking responsibility, at long last. At the same time, I do not think he went far enough as regards the faculty. A full condemnation of the despicable behavior of so-called teachers and scholars is in order. Mr. Brodhead has made a good start toward making amends. A good bit more remains to be done.

Feds Might Investigate Nifong’s Attempted Frameup

News outlets are reporting that the US Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina is weighing an investigation into whether Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong, among others, iolated the civil rights of the three Duke lacrosse players that Nifong and the Durham police tried to frame for rape. Let’s hope that they include the lying accuser, Crystal Mangum in the fun. Hat tip: Lie Stoppers.