Collin middle child--two younger sisters, two older brothers. She's been married for 29 years.
What makes him different from rest of our children? Most private, shy. Good older brother to his younger sisters; enjoys spending time with his older brothers. 'He's a big boy with a big heart.' Very sensitive.
Always enjoyed sports--from young age, clear to them that he had exceptional athletic abilities. Not just lax, but basketball, tennis, swimming.
His dream was to attend Duke and play lacrosse there.
Situation was "extremely difficult." Knew all the boys on the team--devastating to hear how they were described in the media. Hard to avoid--incredibly difficult time for every Duke lacrosse parent.
Learned of indictment on Easter weekend. Initially learned Collin was on a "short list." Advised by their attorneys to leave their home; fearful of what the process of turning in Collin would be. Went into NYC hotel with Collin's girlfriend, Collin, and her husband. Got phone call Monday morning.
Has been a parent for 26 years; hardest moment as a mother she has ever had. Collin and her were sitting in hotel; Kevin Finnerty on phone with lawyers, find out that Collin will be indicted. Hear later that afternoon; Collin let out cry and collapsed on the bed. Everyone cried. Blown away--knew that nothing had happened.
Knew they had to be resolute--had to fight to save their son's life. From that day on, that was their job as parents.
Devastating for their siblings. How to explain to Collin's younger sisters? "Everybody was overwhelmed with grief"--did everything they could to support their brother. "We were all living this nightmare."
Was home since the indictments. "Our life was consumed with this." Many trips down to NC--couldn't go anywhere without being noticed. Basically shy anyway--and then to be constantly noticed.
Was just finishing up his sophomore year when indicted. Had to take year off from school--feared that faced a trial. Missed a year of school.
One of people in courtroom Dec. 15th--"shocking" to have learned that all of this could have been avoided. To see that exculpatory evidence had not been provided--not for Brad Bannon, might still be going to trial.
Had little confidence in NC justice system--but confident in their own legal teams. "Incredible moment for all of us" to see AG's declaration of innocence. "Nobody can give any of the three families back the 14 months that we have gone through"--emotional and physical pain. "Frightening beyond words."
"Amazed at how well Collin handled this." Never once saw him lash out in anger--became very strong person. Made him aware of issue of false accusations--wants to play continuing role in the issue.
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170 comments:
They should have ended with Mr. Evans. No one can end the bar's case on Phas 2 as well as he could have.
Civil suits big time are going to be visited on everyone who aided and abetted Nifong. Type 1 diabetes due to stress, sleepless nights, Brodhead better get the checkbook out.
She deserves a chance to speak. What Nifong did to these innocent people is unspeakable.
I agree, Mom is going to have a hard time with that level of totally warranted righteous anger! Smite him, oh Lord!!
I cannot even imagine the nightmare these families lived through! Their photos were on the covers of the magazines in the grocery stores, on TV, the internet. They are very strong to have not broken down in such circumstances.
They need to bring in some random person off the street to say what this case has done to their impression of the justice system - particularly in North Carolina, but everywhere else, too.
Heck, maybe they should call KC?
Dianna
all I can is SHOLY HIT the Fong, N.C. AG, Duke, DNA labs, Durham PD, Group of 88, Black Panthers are in deep deep deep DOO DOO
It a healing process for the families. Let them have theirBut Nifong is toast anywat.
I did like Evans father's ripping Nifong, something happened response. day.
I hope Nifong's son is proud of Dad now.
These are the tears of a parent who is being genuine and is hurting for herself and her loved ones righteously. Perhaps Fong should be taking careful notes so his future performances can be more realistic. I doubt he is capable of actually feeling the feelings that are present here.
Caught this little tidbit on an ABC News article -
Once Nifong's bar trial concludes, he could still face civil lawsuits from the families of indicted Duke Lacrosse players.
Joe Cheshire, an attorney for the Evans family, said that he expects "excessive civil action" against Nifong.
I feel sorry for nifong's son. Can't chose your parents.
And Nifong is such a creep he brings his son to hear how much of a pice of s*** he is?
Nifong's son shouldn't be a factor in his father's doings; I feel sorry for the lad. Nifong should be ashamed to have him at the courthouse to see this.
JLS says...,
One AMAZING thing today is that with:
1. A rare Saturday hearing of national interest.
2. A very rare case of a DA being subject to sanctions.
3. A very very rare case of a DA almost surely to be found guilty of ethics violations.
4. An almost certain resolution with findings and punishment announced.
COURTTV IS NOT COVERING THIS LIVE TODAY at least on my cable system.
If that does not show people the bias associate with this NOTHING WILL.
Nifong is subhuman. He has no relevant, coherent emotions.
Should have put Dave Evans on last.
The Bar knew he was the more powerful. Go out BIG. (they need my input now, right. sorry)
Is it possible to charge nofind, I mean,nifraud TODAY and take him out in cuffs? Any chance?
After hearing David Evans, and Mary Ellen Finnerty, I not only want Nifong to do hard time, but think it is an outrage that CGM has been given a pass.
FOX puts it on every so often for a few minutes.
wral feed is still live.
Court TV has sold most of the weekends and overnight time to others for Infomercials. They can't undo those agreements, it appears.
hey did his pension increase because of winning DA last year. they may end like the Goldman take over book rights and speaking fees
ROFLMAO 3:36...
So very true!!!
"...not for Brad Bannon, might still be going to trial"
Truly a very close call. Thank you again, Brad Bannon.
he needs 3 more years for the full pension.
I am not surprised she has little confidence in the NC justice system! After this, who will trust it?
JLs says...,
re: 3:35
Sure if the jury were coming back in the cases of NC v. Evans, Finnerty and Seligmann with an expected guilty verdict I am sure CourtTV would not find a way to cover it.
My bad for being cynical, I should have known CourtTV wasn't really toeing the PC line. [/scarcasm]
I will keep supporting and standing up for these boys and their families. There are alot of people who wanted them to go to prison.
My prayers and good wishes to all the families for a new, bright future.
Move beyond this pain at some point and start new. If you have the energy sue the select few who did the most harm and can at least pay some retribution.
If there is a hell on earth, lets hope Nifong gets to live his days in it.
As a lax parent this has been too much to know about and be so helpless. Anyone with kids should take note, this could be anyone of us.
KC you did a great service, thank you
Gee...
Freedman and Witt didn't cross Mr. Evans or Mrs Finnerty. Perhaps there IS at least one firing brain cell at their table after all.
at least the defense had the lack of courage or the integrity to NOT cross the parents
I agree that MaryEllen should have spoken first, but it's not a movie.
JLS says....,
Did the Durham ADAs back out of testifying for Nifong?
Duke will have to pay something. No question. I disagree with Duke Law 00
-- Duke Law 81
Cross them about what? Their feelings?
No way that anyone would do that.
Now Team Knifong has decided not to put any other character witnesses for their side - only written submissions. Not wanting to risk any last minute changes of heart. They know they're screwed.
Ironically, the actions of Nifong have probably had the effect of more cautious jury deliberations across the country. I know that I would have been MUCH more likely to accept the prosecutions case uncritically than I would today. Of course, it took a hell of a lot of work and grief to expose him and get to this point, but there is a good side. Maybe a few more innocents will be free as a result of more skeptical jurors. Hopefully this will also cause a few corrupt DA's to pull back from the abyss out of fear of sharing Mikey's fate.
Duke law81.. any chance of nifwrong being taken into custody today?
Evans is a practiced lawyer. Finnerty family rightly concerned about some remaining shred of privacy. There was a media village outside their home for months.
Also not litigators.
More personal damage than anyone chooses to say but instead emphasize how strong their son has been. Concern is about the impact of today's testimony on family and their children.
Nothing wrong with that.
This a bar ethics (civil) not criminal case
This is the state bar - they can disbar him. That's about it. No leg irons, no perp walk, just no future in the legal profession.
Big future on CNN, however...
Understood, but can't they recommend criminal charges?
"The players' attorneys have pledged to seek criminal contempt charges next week in Durham."
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,283282,00.html
A jumpsuit for Mikey?
this is not a criminal hearing, this is a bar grievance procedure. Disbarment is the max penalty for this one.
Best chance for jail for Nifong is for the Judge at the Dec. 15th hearing (which never formally concluded, so it is still technically on recess) to find Nifong in Criminal Contempt with attached jail time, for lying at the hearing which is what the committee has found. Could easily happen.
The New York Times would be a better place for the Fong to work, they have about the same level of credibility.
3:43 -- No way. This is just a disciplinary hearing of the bar.
Next step will be contempt charges from the judge in Durham and the civil suits filed by the families, no doubt.
DL 81
The system works.
If you spend 3 million,.
OMG - the system works? Mr. Boyce - are you serious?
I somewhat disagree with the comments on WRAL. THere may be no joy from the families, but this FURTHER exhonerates the kids. This FURTHER makes it obvious that the whole thing was a fraud. This puts meat on the bones of the comments of the DA that this was a "rogue prosecutor".
My bet is Mikey won't be with us for any criminal and civil suits.
What is the sentence for criminal contempt?
commentator mentions new verb "nifonged."
LOL. The attorney commentator on WRAL saying "Nifong" is a new verb in the dictionary.
My bet is Mikey won't be with us for any criminal and civil suits.
Wishful thinking... THAT would take integrity and honor on his part... ofwhich he is deficit on both .
3:49PM GS-
"The system works.
If you spend 3 million"
That is a fact.
For the False Accuser, it costs nothing.
Here is a question - if Nifong is disbarred this afternoon, isn't that from the North Carolina bar? Can he then cross state lines and get on the bar with another state?
My bet is Mikey won't be with us for any criminal and civil suits.
Please don't say such things.
How much did Nifong spend on lawyers?
25 or 50k, bleed money.
Now he needs a lawyer for the judge on the case. possible contempt of court. Spend that money
THE BIG LIE: "The System Works"
How funny is that! The most responible thug/perpetrator of the case, Crystal Gail Mangum, is free to have anal sex and romp free--free from any criminal prosecution.
Why?
Because feckless Americans are afraid of criminalizing false accusations against men.
It's hard to think of a more despicable crime than what the whore perpetrated.
Yet she's absent from the hearing.
Black privilege and affirmative action need to be addressed.
Now!
Trinity '74
True Story: I was at a Phillies game and the players had been complaining about ball and strike calls all night. After the ump then called strike three on a ball well outside, a fan in the next section yelled, "C'mon Blue --You've been Nifonging us all night!
A smattering of laughs shows how disrespected this jerk is.
Well, is there any doubt where to get your news from anymore?
Everything I read on lewrockwell by Prof Anderson and all the links to KC were the pure truth.
Everything in the nytimes was pure trash.
I live in LA and the LA times didn't say much of anything until the jig was up. They too seem to just hang out at the police station and never do any actual investigations. Just a big echo for the state.
But I really don't see any point in getting their paper either, except maybe to use on the floor when painting etc. Ok, the sports results ain't all that bad.
Thanks KC.
If anyone has HDTV channel 256, there is great nonstop coverage.
Debrah
3:53 -- No that won't happen. On your bar applicatoin you must indicate your status in other bars. They will look into the matter (as if they wouldn't already know) and doubtlessly respect the penalty from the other state.
I say the total bill for all defendants (Duke U, Durham County, etc etc) will be about $50 million. That's to pay the three victims and their families. There could be another few million dollars paid to other lacrosse players who were wronged by the University and the county. All will pay without trial.
3:55 = Excellent!
Declaring "The System Works" in providing justice is tantamount to declaring "The Lottery Works" in providing free money. Wanna spin the wheel? Who's gong to be your Police Department, Prosecutor, Judge, Jury. Go ahead, spin the wheel. Brad Bannon might be too busy on another case.
I have been following this case and this blog for some time. My son was falsely accused and hounded by a persecutor. He had "evidence" from a college rent-a-cop whom I believe lied under oath and destroyed evidence of my sons innocence. I believe that they believed (as Nifong did) the person accused was guilty and it was just up to them to prove it (even if it meant bending or breaking the rules) or piling on until an innocent person took a plea bargain to end the nightmare.
We beat both of them. It was very expensive, but the best money I have ever spent in my life. We were not able to touch either of them afterward, however.
I am getting a kick out of Mr. Nifongs crash and burn. It should happen to more DA's. If more like this did occur, they might not think that EVERYONE the police brings to them are guilty. They might actually try to make sure JUSTICE was done instead of counting convictions.
Thank you very much KC Johnson. You are as much as anyone responsible for justice here.
3:58 - Well said. This does not prove the system ALWAYS works. It worked this time. People keep mentioning that these three had resources to fight. An even more important factor was that this DA was as stupid and incompetent as he was devious. Others would cover their tracks much better. Prof Coleman mentioned that if he had just brought these cases without the pretrial unethical comments, he might have gotten to trial. DA/Bar far far less likely to have gotten involved.
How much did Nifong spend on lawyers?
I believe Durham picks up the tab for him.
I wonder if Durham County is picking up the tab for this hearing. For a Disciplinary Hearing? I doubt it.
JLS says...,
Mangum is not being gone after for a three reasons, one sound and the other two political:
1. The sound one is her mental health although I think one could make a case this one is not a sound reason.
2. A second political reason is she is a woman claiming rape.
3. A third reason is her race.
Even her mental health issue is getting to be not a reason. She claimed:
1. She was raped around 1996.
2. One of her children was molested at some point.
3. She was raped in 2006.
I can not say for sure if allegation 2 was false or not, but this woman is a menace to all around her. She should be put away in a mental institution if no place else because she is a danger to innocent people.
Given the additional stigma now attached to sex crimes, registration etc., she is almost as dangerous as murderer.
not for ethics
Good to see great criminal Nifong guilty. Next comes beheading and feeding to goats. Much pleasure will come to all from that.
-- Achad in Mongolia
4:00pm in (London)
Hey, Polanski.
So is this going to be decided today, or not? I've lost my feed, and the TV's been turned off for other reasons, so I'm reliant on you folks.
Dianna
How many times has a Defendant called Cheshires or Bannons office and once quoted the retainer, had to call another lawyer.
This is a great story but Justice isnt for everyone.
It appears they will decide today.
Ask "Achad in Mongolia" what happens. It is already tomorrow there so he might know already.
You didn't lose the feed, at least not WRAL.com ... they are on recess. They'll be back
I'd ALMOST have some sympathy for Nifong if there was some reason to believe there was an actual crime and the LAX players could be guilty, but the fact that this was all clearly about him and his election begates ANY sympathy at all
Partly true. The other side is that Joe Cheshire, in particular, has been enormously generous with pro bono work and has been a tireless advocate of reforms in the legal process in NC.
Sorry, my 4:07 was in response to the "how many times" question above.
REALISTICALLY - What should those of us who have benefitted from KC's year of great blogging do to thank him?
Anonymous at 4:05,
Unfortunately, if you have money, you have a much better chance of defending yourself.
Moral of the story: save some money and have a really good credit rating.
Dianna
4:07PM
There aren't enough Joe Chesires to go around.
Does Chesire do civil work or just criminal work. I am hopeful of seeing him in action in the civil trials as well. Anyone know???
Anonymous at 4:08
Um, buy his book?
RECESS GAME:
If you ran into Fong on the street and had about 5 seconds to say something, what would it be?
I am guessing the potbangers and the gang of 88 are inconsolable at this point.
LOL
I already bought the book. Amazon will ship when it issues.
I love 4:08. Somebody think this through seriously and propose what can be done for KC. Fame and fortune doesn't seem enough. That isn't what this was about. Wish there were a bloggers medal of freedom.
I'm hoping for a really harsh punishment.
I train dogs & my alpha male has a wonderfully effective 'look' he uses to keep order in the pack. It essentially says "do that and DIE". Every once in a while a young dog or one new to us tests that look and finds out quickly that there are teeth to it.
DAs around the country need to be given a "do that and DIE" message about trying to throw a case this way. It needs to be so sudden, complete and lethal to career that any DA tempted to go this route will stop and shudder quietly at the thought of sharing his fate.
Recess Game:
Only takes 5 seconds to spit....
Recess Game:
I'd say, "How could you? What if another DA did to YOUR son what you did to the LAX players? You are beneath contempt, and may God have mercy on your soul."
Don't think so, just your garden variety baby boomer leftist (speaking as a baby boomer) filled with class resentment but never achieving at any impressive level.
I've already bought it, too. I am really looking forward to reading it, particularly since I was really late to this case.
This blog was much more comprehensive, and much less confused, than the others I tried first.
Dianna
4:10 - Re Potbangers - They see this as all part of the conspiracy. Their "critical studies" view of the world is that this is all a piece of the white male system railroading a great man who would stand up for the minorities. I am not being facetious or exaggerating.
There is a guy I once worked with (also a former associate of Jimmy Carter and Wm. Clinton) who made a remark to me of this nature in the lsat month.
This is a LONG 5 minute recess... did something happen in the courtroom??
Anonymous said...
RECESS GAME:
If you ran into Fong on the street and had about 5 seconds to say something, what would it be?
Jun 16, 2007 4:10:00 PM
I think that I would have to shake his hand and linger holding it as I told him that I would be praying for him to find God's Grace.
I have been out for awhile. Any sense when the penalty be returned?
Okay, have to indicate who I'm responding to, there are so many people posting! The 4:12 WAS IN ANSWER TO 4:11's question about Communist.
4:11 PM #2
"DAs around the country need to be given a "do that and DIE" message about trying to throw a case this way."
The justice system is policed by fellow lawyers.
One thing we could do to acknowledge KC is to create/donate to a project that would fund the legal bills or provide legal help for college students who believe they've been falsely accused of a serious crime.
Buying his book is nice, but the cause is bigger than that.
Recess game:
"It's a pity it's no longer in fashion to do public penance in sackcloth and ashes for a year."
Dianna
I sure hope they have the camera on the Fongster when the disbarment is announced.
I keep thinking about how he threatened to have the Lax3 arrested in class and paraded on the campus in handcuffs. It is so just that he is being humiliated as he so sickly wished to humilite others.
I would love to find a way to help KC fund research projects of his own that he would like to pursue. I want to thank HIM personally for what he has accomplished.
I heard that Nifong's always had it in for Duke since he didn't get in there. Not sure if that's true, but it goes to the heart of part of the reasons Duke doesn't like Durham and vice versa. The 2 groups live in separate worlds and always will.
I went to school there in the 70s and I lived there for 7 years almost 30 years later. Hasn't changed. Nifong and some of his rogue cops are just another symptom of the problem.
When are they coming back?
long 5 minute break
Yeah. I hope they are finalizing the documents for his disbarment.
RE:"DAs around the country need to be given a "do that and DIE" message about trying to throw a case this way."
The justice system is policed by fellow lawyers.
…you missed part of the instruction… "Don't get caught doing that or…"
This happens every day and the poor or middleclass lose every time. I just learned on WRAL that in NC they even have a plea where the accused can cop a plea and NOT admit guilt! That is for those sorry soles that refuse to accept guilt for something they didn't do and still be able to take the screwing their's about to get!
Some recess comedy for you.
The potbangers on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXv_s1GQQAw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_RVCA5bl1E&mode=related&search=
hope those work
Anonymous at 4:17 -
I think I'll just leave that lying there. It seems safest, since I don't know the person involved.
Eeep!
BTW, when are they coming back?
To the best of my knowledge, every state allows plea of "nolo contendre", which means that the defendant accepts the penalty without admitting guilt.
Is that what you mean, 4:19?
Maybe nifong went up to Mr Evans.. and Mr E forgot he was an excellent lawyer for a little tiny second? THAT would be Justice! Man to nifraud...
if you're referring to nolo contendre, everybody has that.
Will the panel retire AGAIN after the closing remarks on both sides BEFORE announcing verdict? Or is the listening just a formality and they will announce right away?
They're staying out long -- I don't think he'll be disbarred. It would be too much to believe it'll happen.
David Evans - one angry father. He's gotta be ready to sue Nifong.
and we're back.
Even if he's disbarred he'll appeal. This will go on forever.
Nifong suggests disbarment!
and waives appeal!!
Nifong proffers disbarment and waives all right of appeal.
and the Bar agrees that's the right punishment!
What a crock... Nifong trying to make nice now. Accepts disbarment and will not appeal.
He is falling on his sword!!!! He KNOWS criminal is approaching!!!!
LOL wtf?
WOW!!! It's OVER!
Jesus!!! He disbarred himself and refuses right to appeal!!!!!!
OMG--Nifong's lawyer says disbarrment appropriate punishment, and won't appeal!
He finally found his gut.
OMG. I can't believe he finally did the right thing.
To the best of my knowledge, every state allows plea of "nolo contendre", which means that the defendant accepts the penalty without admitting guilt.
Is that what you mean, 4:19?
No.
1. That means you are guilty with circumstances IE you were speeding because you were going down hill.
2. IN NC you can plea to a lesser charge for a crime you refuse to admit guilt to.
This is NOT nolo contendre.
So I guess this is an effort to avoid criminal charges?
he know it was over
Did Nifong just say he would agree to disbarment???
ha ha
he still getting nailed.
And the State Bar couldn't agree fast enough!
HOORAY FOR THE PANEL - I am so pleased Williamson says that the law does not allow the defendant to just tender his disbarment. Bar must make its independent ruling.
HOORAY FOR THE PANEL - I am so pleased Williamson says that the law does not allow the defendant to just tender his disbarment. Bar must make its independent ruling.
HOORAY FOR THE PANEL - I am so pleased Williamson says that the law does not allow the defendant to just tender his disbarment. Bar must make its independent ruling.
For the lawyers:
Effects on civil or criminal action? I would think little on the latter but some on the former?
He tried to save himself the embarrassment.
Just more outrage that he waited for the last second. He wants the headline to be that he tendered his license not that it was taken from him. BASTARD!!!!!!!!
The bastard did this simply to take the wind out of the sails of the Bar panel's inevitable verdict.
2 Great lawyers.. Mr Evans, and Mr Williamson....
thats like a criminal on death row saying its ok to execute him after all appeals are exhausted and he is strapped in.
Nifong is a joke.
The potbanger videos are still up?
Those are now officially slanderous and can be used as evidence...I'd be pulling them down if I were YouTube and especially if I were the principals in posting/filming/speaking in them.
I agree about the potbanger videos - they will be used as part of the proof of damages. I am sure they have been collecting all of them, and blogs, news stories, etc. since the beginning.
Where are you guys getting this stuff? My wral feed still says on recess...
I am watching the Fox news live feed
Pool…
How long before Nifing is served with criminal and/or federal civil rights charges?
How long before Nifong is served with divorce papers?
Can I put in a bid on Nifongs house? This will become a national landmark for a historic failure of our Judicial System.
Potbanger video is probably not actionable. At time statements made, no one knew they were false. And now it's just a historical piece.
Hat's off to Brad Bannon, I think he's got a fine future for himself -- he could switch to bio-tech, or make a specialty in evidence analysis, the way he learned DNA, he could learn anything and has the attention to detail to carry it through.
Does anyone know if Nifong is a Communist?
Public statement by President Brodhead at:
http://www.dukenews.duke.edu/2007/06/disbar_statement.html
Its a strong statement, that as a
Duke Professor, expresses well my
feelings.
One quotation stands out:
"The actions Duke took caused consternation to many in the university family, which I profoundly regret."
This is the apology, albeit elliptical, that many in the blogosphere have looked for.
Its time to lay off Brodhead.
Even those of us who from day
one supported our students were
confused as to what to do to stop
the cascade.
--Duke Prof
11:50 bull shit, it's time to find a leader
11:50 Pardon me, I meant to say bull shit, it't time to find a leader.
~ someone who use to write checks to Duke.
3:55 Inre: Phillies game comment...about the fan yelling at the Ump about being "Nifonged..."
If that were said, it would be the nicest thing anyone in a Philly stadium ever yelled...
Did he at least follow it up by throwing something?
Mr.Finnerty, Happy Father's Day. Your son has been in the thoughts and prayers of many people along with your family.
The three guys were never alone, though it felt that way as Reade so eloquently expressed.As a lax mom in the east coast with two boys of my own, that hurt the most. They should never have felt that much despair. The truth was going to come out eventually. As is has.
Many happy times in the future and great success for Collin. He'll be a quiet giant in his chosen profession. You did a great job with him.
Best wishes to everyone> it could have been any one of us in your place.
Thank you KC for shining the light.
Is Duke a state school?
10:07
Yes, someone does know.
4:10 --
If I had 5 seconds to say something to Nifong, it would be "No son could respect a corrupt father who falsely promised to be a minister of justice and instead persecuted innocent people using the power of the state just to pad his own pension. If you were my dad I'd be telling people you weren't."
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