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Brodhead calls for Nifong to step down as prosecutor
Online Update: 12/23
By: Staff Reports
Issue date: 12/11/06 Section: News
Last update: 1/3/07 at 5:22 PM EST
Last update: 1/3/07 at 5:22 PM EST
In response to Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong's decision Friday to drop charges of rape in the Duke lacrosse case, President Richard Brodhead questioned Nifong's conduct and called for the district attorney to relieve himself of his duties in the case.
Brodhead said Nifong's decisive public statements about the rape allegations and subsequent decision to drop the charge call into question the validity of the remaining charges that have been brought against three members of the 2005-2006 men's lacrosse team--kidnapping and sexual offense.
"The district attorney should now put this case in the hands of an independent party, who can restore confidence in the fairness of the process," Brodhead said in a statement Friday. "Further, Mr. Nifong has an obligation to explain to all of us his conduct in this matter."
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Brodhead added that he was relieved for the players and their families. John Burness, vice president for public relations and government affairs, said Brodhead had been in e-mail contact with the indicted players during the past week.
Friends of Duke University, a group organized to support the indicted players, praised Brodhead's words in a statement released Saturday. In recent months, the group has been critical of Brodhead and the Duke administration's handling of the lacrosse scandal.
"We are glad to see our faith in President Brodhead has not been misplaced," Friends of Duke University said in the statement. "[Brodhead's] bold words must be matched by equally bold deeds in the coming weeks. He must also continue to speak out and do so forcefully. Nevertheless, President Brodhead's statement gives us every optimism to believe that he will do both."
Discuss the latest development on The Chronicle's message board. Check back this week for further updates and analysis of the recent events.
Brodhead said Nifong's decisive public statements about the rape allegations and subsequent decision to drop the charge call into question the validity of the remaining charges that have been brought against three members of the 2005-2006 men's lacrosse team--kidnapping and sexual offense.
"The district attorney should now put this case in the hands of an independent party, who can restore confidence in the fairness of the process," Brodhead said in a statement Friday. "Further, Mr. Nifong has an obligation to explain to all of us his conduct in this matter."
Click for related content:
- Nifong drops rape charges
- Defense calls on Nifong to drop all charges
- Alleged victim to give birth any day
Brodhead added that he was relieved for the players and their families. John Burness, vice president for public relations and government affairs, said Brodhead had been in e-mail contact with the indicted players during the past week.
Friends of Duke University, a group organized to support the indicted players, praised Brodhead's words in a statement released Saturday. In recent months, the group has been critical of Brodhead and the Duke administration's handling of the lacrosse scandal.
"We are glad to see our faith in President Brodhead has not been misplaced," Friends of Duke University said in the statement. "[Brodhead's] bold words must be matched by equally bold deeds in the coming weeks. He must also continue to speak out and do so forcefully. Nevertheless, President Brodhead's statement gives us every optimism to believe that he will do both."
Discuss the latest development on The Chronicle's message board. Check back this week for further updates and analysis of the recent events.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 242
Steve
posted 12/22/06 @ 5:06 PM EST
I second that.
Parker Godwin
posted 12/22/06 @ 5:13 PM EST
This is one of the most disgusting cases I have ever followed. While I believe the behavior of these young men is truly reprehensible, the actions of the district attorney is absolutely unacceptable and borderline criminal. (Continued…)
Paul N
posted 12/22/06 @ 5:19 PM EST
Gee, that's great that Nifong dropped the rape charges. However, filing those kidnapping and sexual assault charges shows intent to engage in prosecutorial misconduct. (Continued…)
steve
posted 12/22/06 @ 5:20 PM EST
At this point in this silly, pathetic episode is the astounding fact that Nifong is still clinging to *any* charge. I hope to witness his complete professional ruination. (Continued…)
jenn
posted 12/22/06 @ 5:23 PM EST
Is that Broadhead actually showing some balls. Oh My God!!!! Now it's time to apologize to all the players,coaches, etc. that he has harmed for life.
Bryan
posted 12/22/06 @ 5:23 PM EST
Then government officals wonder why we don't trust them.
George Hanshaw
posted 12/22/06 @ 5:23 PM EST
What a crock. Brodhead and the gang of 88 were in the vanguard of those who led the rush to judgement.
The Duke university faculty and Presidents attempt at lynching these three was simply a little more high-tech than the clumsy efforts of Mr. (Continued…)
Chris White
posted 12/22/06 @ 5:28 PM EST
Who is the bigger fool... Nifong or Brodhead? They both have the politial instincts and backbone of the town dog catcher...
Chris W...in awe of the mess in Durham. (Continued…)
RTWarren
posted 12/22/06 @ 5:29 PM EST
Mr Nifong should be charged with a crime!!
Tom
posted 12/22/06 @ 5:32 PM EST
This guy has ruined lives and needs to be dis barred and probably locked up himself.
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