It's ironic that you use a justice-system term to explain your argument against the action, when police departments use the exact same policy that you're arguing against. Police officers are often "suspended pending investigation"; if it's good enough for them, why is it unacceptable for a college student. Separately, I wonder about the need to suspend him, even if team activities were ongoing. His restraining order precludes him from going within 2 miles of the alleged victim--a U of O student. Given that, does he even have legal access to any team facilities?
From what I hear the victim has told the DA and the U of O administration that she will not testify. Not for James, not against James, not for any reason. DA is saying that he has enough to still take the case to court but would be willing to negotiate a plea deal. James' lawyers have turned this down. Without a victim who is willing to testify cases like this almost never go to court and are considered losers. James has not spoken to Kelly. Both Kelly and Canzano know the victim has said she will not testify. Eventually the DA will drop the case due to insufficient evidence. Again both Canzano and Kelly are aware that this is the most likely outcome.
If Kelly and James met and James admitted to anything Kelly would be forced to take discipline actions against James and could be forced to testify against James. By not talking Kelly can only wait until the investigation is complete before passing judgment and taking action.
true that would make sense. But also James could say he didnt do anything and be given the benefit of the doubt. But I see what you are saying.
If James is (allegedly) dumb enough to hurt a woman do you think Kelly wants to take a chance that he wouldn't incriminate himself if he were to meet with him? Even if James were to only say, "Coach I'm sorry for everything that has happened" could be considered an admission of guilt. It could also put Kelly on the stand testifying against James and could make it look like Kelly is covering this up. DA to Kelly- So you met with James, what did he say to you? Kelly - That he was sorry. DA - Did you ask him sorry for what? Kelly - No. DA to Judge - Permission to treat Kelly as a hostile witness? DA to Kelly - So you have a player who is accused of a serious crime and who admits that he was sorry but you don't ask him anything about it? Coach Kelly even the military realizes that "Don't ask, don't tell" is a stupid policy. ( and yes, I'm working on a screen play about this to sell to Lifetime on cable)
that looks so bad on kelly and the program though..does this apply just to kelly? or say the rb coach too?
The difference is that police offiers hold a different place in society in that they protect the public. They are also paid while suspended. It's long established rules. Football isn't police work.
