Oh, that's right, threats of possible riots by the good citizens of Durham should trump the right to a fair and speedy trial of these boys. /sarc
These boys are facing long terms in prison for a crime they didn't commit and that didn't happen. Anything that can be done to avoid that possibility should be done, and other factors (i.e. going back to college, getting justice against Crystal and Nifong) should assume a lower priority. If and when this goes to trial, their fates will be in the hands of a jury that may or may not be composed of people biased against the players. Anything that will allow for the least biased jury possible should be done.