ESPN Legal Analyst Condemns Duke Player's Assertion of Innocence as Attempt to Taint Jury Pool

ESPN/NewsBusters ^ | Mark Finkelstein

[governsleastgovernsbest]

by Mark Finkelstein

May 16, 2006

For those who think that sports broadcasts might offer a respite from liberal media spin . . . think again. At least when it comes to ESPN [an arm of ABC] the same ESPN that fired Rush Limbaugh for expressing his views on QB Donovan McNabb.

This time, ESPN let its liberal slip show in the matter of the Duke rape allegations. Yesterday, in the wake of his indictment, former lacrosse captain David Evans appeared before the press to assert his absolute innocence and those of his two co-defendants.

To comment on Evans' press appearance, ESPN, during the overnight edition of Sports Center, brought in its "legal analyst," a former Philly prosecutor by the name of Deborah Robinson. Commenting on Evans' press appearance, Robinson, with ill-concealed anger, claimed:

"It has no significance for the trial whatsoever. It's significant because it's unprecedented. I've never seen a defendant have a press conference before the trial even begins. . . It's tainting potential jurors, and that's what I think is the most significant thing about this press conference. The defense is trying to paint a picture for those jurors who will eventually hear the case about the defendant before the case even begins."

So let's get this straight. According to ESPN's employee, it is wrong for someone who passionately believes he has been wrongly accused of a heinous crime to publicly assert his innocence. Falsely accused defendants should simply sit in silence and take it.

Odd - I don't recall Robinson similarly condemning DA-cum-candidate Mike Nifong for his 70 press interviews and his public assertion that he believes the accuser - which of course amounts to accusing the defendant's of the crime. Guess outrage only works one way for ESPN's "legal analyst."

[governsleastgovernsbest]

ESPN/NewsBusters ping to Today show list.

[fatnotlazy]

Remember that ESPN is part of the conglomerate that also owns ABC -- hence, the bias.

ESPN should stick to sports commentary and broadcasting of sporting events. Should not venture into law or politics.

[caver]

Geez, ESPN is going over the line on this one. I hate to ask the question, but what race is Ms. Robinson? She sounds like the Reverands Jackson & Sharpton.

[jerod]

Every day they have that major leftwing A--hole Keith Olbermann on the Dan Patrick radio show and I just want to puke.

The man is a lunatic, and not only does he get to spew his crap on MSNBC, he gets to do it again on ESPN radio.

[tkathy]

They have every right. She sounds like another Tawana Brawley.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Remember that ESPN is part of the conglomerate that also owns ABC.

Please see second sentence of report.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I decided not to mention that in the report, but your suspicious is grounded in fact.

[oh8eleven]

To comment on Evans' press appearance, ESPN, during the overnight edition of Sports Center, brought in its "legal analyst," a former Philly prosecutor by the name of Deborah Robinson.
I saw her and the bias in her comments made me want to puke.
The bigger question is why is ESPN so deeply involved in this story? This isn't a sports story and they're not Court TV. Sickening.

[Labyrinthos]

It's significant because it's unprecedented. I've never seen a defendant have a press conference before the trial even begins. . .

Ever hear of Bill Clintoon?

[no dems]

As soon as I read the title of the thread, I knew the ESPN "Legal Analyst" had to be black or female.

Now, does anyone have an e-mail address for ESPN so we can address this stupidity and let ESPN know that it is offensive to viewers for them to assume that jocks and sports fans do NOT have the IQ of a can of Spam?

[Bahbah]

I don't much follow these media sensationalized cases, but I did see the accused, David Evans, at the press conference and my impression is that he is one fine young man. I had no idea that the media would think it is wrong to defend oneself when you are falsely accused, which I firmly believe is the case here.

[traderrob6]

Remember where Keith Olberman came from.

[CedarDave]

I saw that "analysis". Another possible reason for her "damn the accused" position in this case, sad to say, is that she is Black.

[Pharmboy]

To be fair, I would also expect you to post her remarks ripping DA Nifong for holding press conferences essentially convicting these guys before trial. What's that you say? She didn't criticize Nifong, and only ripped this alleged perp for declaring his innocence?

Nevermind...

[Fury]

It has no significance for the trial whatsoever. It's significant because it's unprecedented. I've never seen a defendant have a press conference before the trial even begins. . . It's tainting potential jurors, and that's what I think is the most significant thing about this press conference. The defense is trying to paint a picture for those jurors who will eventually hear the case about the defendant before the case even begins."

Oh, please shut the hell up, you idiot. I'm sorry, but we are in a bad way if nutters are going to decry someone proclaiming their innocence.

Please, just shut your cake-hole.

[Echo Talon]

"It has no significance for the trial whatsoever. It's significant because it's unprecedented. I've never seen a defendant have a press conference before the trial even begins. . . It's tainting potential jurors, and that's what I think is the most significant thing about this press conference. The defense is trying to paint a picture for those jurors who will eventually hear the case about the defendant before the case even begins."

good for him, I would have spoken out a long time ago, this guy is already being tried in the media and the jury-pool has already been tainted with speculation by the media.

[CedarDave]

I imagine that because ESPN has a large number of Black viewers, they felf compelled to present what they assumed to be the "Black" position. I compare her to sports figure Tiki Barber who appears some days on Fox and Friends. I enjoy his perspective on events and believe he is a good representation of a popular sports figure doing more than giving gang signs and talking trash.

[Echo Talon]

Like Joey Porter.. :\

[Coldwater Creek]

If I was the one being charged, I would do everything in my power to taint the jury pool, wouldn't you?