For Real

A lawyer for one of the Wheaton College football players facing criminal charges says his client is “disappointed, frustrated” by a situation he thought had been resolved after a school investigation.  The lawyer also asked why it took authorities so long to bring charges over a hazing incident that occurred eighteen months ago.  This is obviously someone who believes the statute of limitations for a crime should be shorter than the expiration date on a gallon of milk.

The big takeaway here is that it really counts once the law gets involved.  Anything else, whether a school or NCAA or NFL investigation, is just for show.  If Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott assaulted his girlfriend, I want him facing charges, not being suspended by Roger Goodell.  If these Wheaton players committed a crime, they should be punished according to the law, not a school administration.  My six weeks of law school keep me thinking of due process.  Will Elliott get his, did the alleged victim of the hazing at Wheaton?  That’s what a court of law is for.

Unfortunately, the legal system is an imperfect vehicle for justice.  In Ohio, where Elliott’s assaults allegedly occurred, the state requires the couple is in fact a couple living together for criminal charges to apply.  Obviously, state and federal law have to change when it comes to the issue of domestic violence.  If Elliott serves his six-game suggestion (which he’s fighting in court) but is never convicted, how will that help the next person in Ohio assaulted by a partner?

And if those Wheaton players had faced nothing worse than community service and an eight-page essay?