Perhaps the players didn’t do it, and are owed a huge apology:
Wade Smith, an attorney for members of the Duke University lacrosse team, announced late Monday afternoon that no DNA samples taken from the 46 athletes matched any DNA on the alleged victim and that he hopes Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong will consider dropping the case.
The announcement came less than two hours after the State Bureau of Investigation delivered the results to prosecutors.
Of course, the players have already been tried and convicted within the Drive By Media, the DA’s office, and the administrations of both Duke and UNC Central. Whatever happened to “innocent till proven guilty?”
Nifong, however, has said he could look at other evidence collected in the police investigation, including the alleged victim’s statement to police, as well as an emergency-room nurse’s findings that there were injuries, signs and symptoms on the woman that were consistent of rape.
Karl Knudsen, a Raleigh defense attorney not involved in the case, told WRAL Monday that the fact that there was no DNA match was strong evidence that an assault may not have happened, but that it was not conclusive.
“Theoretically, you could have an assault without the transfer of DNA,” Knudsen said.
OK. But the DNA tests were demanded of the players. They have been accused of not cooperating, yet, all the players at the party, except one Black player, have been tested, and the result is “not involved.”
I may not be a lawyer, but, beyond a statement from the supposed victim, there seems to be no evidence to point to any particular player.
I don’t have a dog in this fight but it sounds like someone was out for revenge (unknown for what) or a blackmail scheme and blew it. I doubt that a stripper would be the brightest bulb in the pack when it comes to evidence and DNA.
So many inconsistencies in her story, and now the results of the DNA tests, add up to the players probably not having done it. Yet, they will always be guilty in the public eye in DUrham. SHame.