Time for the Duke case to end

The Duke Lacrosse player incident that escalated in March 2006 has seen quite enough publicity. However, the players are making headlines once again as they file lawsuits against prosecutor, Mike Nifong, the city of Durham and the police detectives that were in charge of the case.

The case began March 13, 2006 when Crystal Gail Magnum accused 3 members of the Duke men’s lacrosse team of rapping her at a team party. The players were suspended for two games but the head coach was forced to resign and the rest of the 2006 season was eventually cancelled. The trial was a long and tedious one that only contributed negative public relations to Duke University. Finally, on April 11, 2007, all charges against the Duke Lacrosse players were dropped. Attorney General of North Carolina called the entire incident a “tragic rush to accuse.”

In the suit, the players accuse the defendants which include Mike Nifong as well as the former police chief and police investigators of conspiring to keep the case open even though there was really no evidence against the players. They stated that the defendants withheld evidence, manipulated witnesses and issued a photo lineup only including Duke Lacrosse players so that Magnum would have to choose at least one of them as her accuser.

They also stated that all of this was brought about because of motivation by Mike Nifong, the initial prosecutor on the case, to win an upcoming election for district attorney. However, Nifong’s name was quickly disgraced after he was accused of withholding important DNA information. He was forced to resign and spent a night in jail in contempt of court.

In the law suit, the players ask for an independent committee to review complaints of misconduct of the police force as well as improved police training. Furthermore, the want to ban the use of any evidence provided by DNA Security inc.

A year and a half after this case began, I think it’s about time it comes to a close. The players were acquitted of their crime but I do believe they deserve some retribution for everything that they have had to endure. Their names have been smeared all over the country and most of their college experience has been ruined. They have had to pay thousands of dollars in fees for lawyers among other things. And they have had to face embarrassment in front of family and friends. I think they deserve to win this case after the injustice they have faced but I also think its time that everyone moves on with their lives.