Group supporting high-schoolers charged in football brawl organizes public marches downtown
- Previous coverage: Football brawl fallout: Some allege prejudice in charging of students
A group of area residents, which formed in support of three black students criminally charged in the Huron-Pioneer high school football brawl, is taking its message to the streets.
Ann Arbor Concerned Citizens for Justice has organized five upcoming rallies and marches through downtown Ann Arbor to raise awareness of what the group believes was an act of prejudice in prosecuting three black Pioneer High School students.
Pioneer and Huron players fight after an Oct. 12 football contest.
Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com file photo
District spokeswoman Liz Margolis said that estimate is a little inflated, considering each team fields about 39 players. She said there were approximately 30 people, both students and coaches, involved in the centerfield incident.
"The AACCJ believes there is a consistent pattern, in Washtenaw County, of overcharging and selective prosecution of African American males," the group said Tuesday in a statement. "Equally disturbing is the fact that the two adults responsible for instigating this incident have virtually received nothing more than a slap on the wrist.
"The schools, where parents send their children to learn and to be supervised by responsible adults, appear to have failed these students."
The marches and public events will coincide with the various upcoming court appearances for the three students:
- 8 a.m. Friday — Starting in front of the Ann Arbor District Library at 343 S. Fifth Ave. and proceeding to the Washtenaw County Courthouse at 101 E. Huron.
- 8 a.m. March 19 — March from the library to the courthouse.
- 12:30 p.m. March 19 — Rally in front of the courthouse.
- 7 a.m. March 25 — Rally in front of the courthouse.
- 7 a.m. April 1 — March from the library to the courthouse.
One of the students, senior Bashir Garain, 18, is charged with two felony counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two misdemeanor counts of assault and battery. The two juvenile students both were charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault and assault or assault and battery.
AnnArbor.com is not naming the juveniles.
Former teacher and Ann Arbor Public Schools administrator Joseph Dulin, who helped form the AACCJ, said police will be present at the marches and will escort the group of concerned citizens through the streets so they do not have to stop at traffic lights.
Joseph Dulin in 2009 at the time of his retirement from Roberto Clemente Student Development Center after serving as principal for 35 years.
Leisa Thompson | The Ann Arbor News
Through the public demonstrations, the AACCJ hopes to enlighten the community about what has been going on, Dulin said.
"It's purely racism," he said of County Prosecutor Brian Mackie charging these teens. "… We want to make the community aware and to sway the community, so that they can put the pressure on the school system and the courts. We want the charges to be dropped."
Of the three players that have been charged, two are accused of kicking a Huron player in the face, causing injuries, and one is accused of swinging a crutch toward a group of players.
Dulin said although there is video from the Oct. 12 incident, he believes it is inconclusive.
Dulin was an educator for 52 years and was the founding principal of Ann Arbor's Roberto Clemente Student Development Center. He also founded National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) in November 1995 to encourage black parents to take an active role in their children's education.
Dulin said he is disappointed that Ann Arbor school officials have not done anything to protect the best interests and educational rights of these young men.
"The superintendent must do more and the school board must do more," he said.
Another group, Save Our Sons, also emerged recently in support of the three Pioneer high school students. This group's focus currently is raising money for one of the juvenile's attorney fees through fundraisers.
An event the group is calling "Strikes Against Injustice" will take place from 7:30-9:30 p.m. March 22 at Colonial Lanes, 1950 S. Industrial Highway. A similar event was scheduled for last Friday.
Dulin said the AACCJ and Save Our Sons both grew out of the same contingent of people with the same goals and objectives. The AACCJ has decided to take raising awareness to the next level with a public statement and public demonstrations, Dulin said.
Members of both groups are unhappy prosecutors decided not to charge then-Huron head coach Cory Gildersleeve, then-Pioneer head coach Paul Test and then-Pioneer assistant coach Vince Wortmann. The confrontation between these three started the melee.
When Gildersleeve and Test came together at midfield after the game, the two began a screaming match, and Test alleged Gildersleeve pushed him. Wortmann then shoved Gildersleeve, touching off the brawl.
Prosecutors did not charge Wortmann, deciding the assistant coach believed Test was in physical danger from the younger, larger Gildersleeve. Wortmann, who is black, was fired for his actions during the brawl.
The Ann Arbor Public Schools also suspended nine Huron players and six Pioneer players for their involvement in the brawl. Two Pioneer players were permanently kicked off the team.
A small representation of the Ann Arbor Concerned Citizens for Justice group attended a Feb. 27 school board meeting to ask for board members and school officials to take action in support of the three criminally charged students. The board is expected to consider passing a resolution expressing their support at Wednesday's regular meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Ann Arbor District Library.
AnnArbor.com cops and courts reporter Kyle Feldscher contributed to this report.
Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.
Comments
judy
Fri, Mar 22, 2013 : 4:59 p.m.
Because this is an Ann Arbor issue at this time, we owe it to ourselves and our school children to avail ourselves, for free, and as citizens, of the traveling Natural History exhibit, "Race: Are We So Different?" which will be on the fourth floor of the Natural History Museum until May 2013. The local exhibit on same floor is also informative. Our teenagers are ahead of us; one local teen states, "Get comfortable with being uncomfortable." Also, we can read and discuss "The New Jim Crow" book which is current "Ann Arbor Reads" book. One discussion group for this book meets monthly during this spring, at St. Aidans/Northside churches' building, 1679 Broadway. Call Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice for more information. The discussion meeting is on the fourth Tuesday of month, 7pm, first downstairs meeting room.
original perp
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 9:53 p.m.
"Dulin said he is disappointed that Ann Arbor school officials have not done anything to protect the best interests and educational rights of these young men." What about the best interests and educational rights of the victims?
Usual Suspect
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 2:20 a.m.
I think there needs to be a rally and singing out front of Rick Snyder's neighborhood.
Debbie Harris
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 10:22 p.m.
So Now My Family Must Endure A Rally and Demonstration In Order To enter The Court Hearings Where My Son Is A Witness / Victim. That Is Definitely Adding Insult To Injury. By The Way, I'm Wondering Why Mr. Dulin And Others From These Groups Have Never Met, Spoken To, Or Reached Out To My Son? I Guess Being A Black male Victim Of Other Black males Doesn't Incite The Same Outrage In People. fortunately, We Would Have Zero Interest In Their Message And Position On This. I Think We Now Need Legal Representation, Unfortunately.
judy
Fri, Mar 22, 2013 : 5:07 p.m.
Your story should be told. I'm wondering why your story is being suppressed?
swimthis
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 4:16 a.m.
There are no words Ms. Harris other than I am outraged and disgusted with what your family is going through. Aa.com where is their story? I'm more interested in hearing about the victim than those that continue to support and enable the perps. Where is the rally for the victim and his rights? What about his educational rights? I hope someone from the legal community steps up and offers assistance.
towncryer
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 11:12 p.m.
Are their rallies specifically planned on dates your family needs to be in court? if so, that's pretty rotten. I'm sorry your family has had to endure not only your son's injury, but harassment from this "group" and other supporters (as mentioned in a previous post). Hang in there!
Jay Thomas
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 8:46 p.m.
So if someone kicks me in the face (wearing CLEATS) I'm supposed to let it slide if they are black because to charge them would be racism? If they only pushed me... I would let it slide. I think that's the difference here. But people see what they want to see and some are doing so behind race colored glasses.
chelsea_i
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 5:46 p.m.
I believe the article is slanted toward the idea that the students are innocent and are being victimized due to their race. All the quotes and statements included in the article such as the believe the school system failed these students and the disappointment that Ann Arbor school officials have not stepped forward to "protect the best interest" of these students support only one side of the story. There are no quotes from other view points exploring why these students are being charged and others are not. Also, it was inappropriate to note that the Pioneer assistant, Wortmann was black. Him being black and getting fired was not one of the issues about the brawl that was being discussed. Ann Arbor.com seemed to speculate that him being fired could be due to his race.
concerned
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 5:34 p.m.
I'm sorry to see that the A2.com has tried to make this out to be just a race issue. It' much bigger then that. We are a country that has imprisoned more people then any other country. Although people of color have been unfairly targeted in this system we created, there are families of limited means through out this country that are unable to fight a judicial system with unlimited resources. Because once the judicial system has you your debt is never paid. With the information highway of today it will be with you your entire life. Every law and order individual on this comment section should think back to their own teenage years, and would you want permanent responsibility for all the mistakes you made when you were young. It's called 'The School To Prison Pipeline', and it is very real. This matter was a school issue and that is where it needed to stay. AAPS spent many hours investigating this Brawl, and disciplines were handed out. Not only for students but to the coaches as well. These charges against these students were inflated, as they usually are, to scare and intimidate these families into a easy plea deal to avoid trial.
belboz
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 2:15 a.m.
Lower prices? Ann Arbor has high prices, and this tends to keep employed people in the area, who are less likely to commit crimes. If the students just randomly walked out there and started punching, I might agree. But, Ms Sunset, I don't feel anything done on that football field points to a kid who has to be shunned from society, with a felony record to forever defend and explain.
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 10:18 p.m.
A big part of why it's good to imprison so many criminals is because criminals tend to live in bad areas. So the positive impact of taking a criminal out of this community is the potential for more investment in that community. Those who live there benefit from less crime and a greater willingness of business to locate there, which brings both lower prices and jobs. Another advantage to cracking down on felonies that don't result in death is that kids headed in the wrong direction will get the message that there are limits in society. If we don't stop them at this stage, then the next crime might well result in someone's death. I'm puzzled why these marchers don't realize they are doing more harm to their community than anyone.
Danielle Arndt
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 9:47 p.m.
I'm glad that you mentioned the school-to-prison pipeline. I'd like to see readers engage in a discussion about whether or not this particular incident fits that bill. For readers who may want more information on this or might not know what it is, here's a link: http://www.aclu.org/racial-justice/what-school-prison-pipeline.
average joe
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 5:11 p.m.
In regards to the one swinging the crutch, it appears evident that he doesn't want to take responsibility for his actions. At the very end of the video, he can be seen raising his arms up slightly as if to say, 'what did I do?' If this is as it appears, perhaps this is what the real problem is, and not charging him because of the color of his skin will not help this young man learn. And isn't this what Mr. Dulin should want also?
Westfringe
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 4:52 p.m.
Stop, just stop. "It's purely racism," to get off scott-free after committing a crime because of your skin color. The video clearly shows the violent premeditated acts done by these students. I am sick to death of the race card being played constantly, take responsibility for your actions!
AJCarter
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 4:24 p.m.
The two juveniles involved are NOT on tape and were only identified by the victims assumption of the cleats that they were wearing. I was there. I saw Coach Gildersleeve push Coach Test. That was uncalled for in arena where adults are responsible for the children they are instructed. You cannot afford to lose your composure when you're entrusted with that responsibility. I don't believe this is necessarily a racial issue. I WOULD AND DO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ANY STUDENT(S) WHO IS HELD ACCOUNTABLE WHILE AN ADULT ENTRUSTED WITH THEIR SAFETY IS NOT. It is unfair that students following the example of adults are made to suffer consequences while the adults suffer NOTHING. So what Gildersleeve resigned, that definitely doesn't mean he can't come back to coaching. What's the incentive given to HIM that HIS actions were unprofessional, dangerous and grossly irresponsible? To me that's the real issue. What is Gildersleeve's background? How do I know that my children will be safe? What kind of people is AAPS hiring?
Debbie Harris
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 10:11 p.m.
Aj Carter....You Are Wrong. The Two Juveniles Charged Are On Tape, They Are Also In Numerous Photographs, Actually Caught In The Act. They Were Not Merely Identified By Their Cleats, As Only One Was Wearing A Particular Cleat Of Interest. They Were Also Identified By EyeWitnesses And The Victim Himself.
Thoughtful
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 5:04 p.m.
Parents are also responsible for their kids behavior. If they aren't raised to know what's right, the parents are also responsible. The coaches didn't swing a weapon or step on someone's face and then laugh about it. If you want the coaches to be responsible for their actions, that is a separate complaint from letting these boys off just because you are unhappy with the lack of punishment the coaches received. Complain to the district about the coaches, then. Or volunteer to help out. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
C. Montgomery Burns
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 4:02 p.m.
Unless these protesters are all retired, shouldn't these people either be at work or in school during those dates? Release the hounds, I say!
towncryer
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 3:11 p.m.
Danielle, did the organization call you to inform you/news of the protests? This rehashing is getting old, maybe it should have just been on the community wall? What is it about the video that they think is wrong? Photoshopping the crutch? I would gladly support any person, no matter what race, if I felt they were being railroaded--but the charges are based on witness statements and video proof. Why do they think the video does not support the charges?
towncryer
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 11:20 p.m.
Thanks Danielle, I didn't catch the news release part. So are you saying that Mr. Dulin HIMSELF has seen the entire videotape and any other evidence the prosecutor has and he is basing this racism charge on what he has seen as not enough evidence? Obviously as readers, we have not been privy to all evidence except what has been released, but Mr. Dulin has seen more?
Danielle Arndt
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 10 p.m.
This group did issue a public statement via a news release, as the article says. We felt this was newsworthy, as opposed to being an item for the community wall, due to the public nature of the rallies and the marches they are organizing. Because there are a number of these public events planned for throughout the next month, and taking place in high-volume areas of downtown, we wanted people to know and to understand why there were potentially large groups gathering in front of the library and courthouse. This group and these public events also are the direct fallout of a rather shocking and high profile, at the time, incident in our community. I did ask Mr. Dulin about the video and he said the group believes it is inconclusive and unclear who did what and what the intent was of certain actions. I hope this answers your questions.
alarictoo
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 3:55 p.m.
Good questions. And an opportunity for investigative journalism. Danielle?
B2Pilot
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:47 p.m.
The article states Dulin is a former teacher and public school administrator, I hope he is retired as it would be a conflict of interest. Also he is quoted as saying the district is denying these young men their educational rights - what exactly does that mean? I think he could use this as an educational moment, go through the process and beat the charges if they are really innocent. plenty of victims out there if you go looking for one
sheepyd
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:44 p.m.
We need to be able to have a conversation about race without people accusing others of racism. As soon as the name calling begins the exchange of ideas and search for answers and hopefully solutions goes out the window. African Americans aren't disproportionately charged, focused on, over-represented, excessively-charged, pattern of selective prosecution etc..... The truth is african americans have a crisis of morality and criminality that is yet to be dealt with by their community. Political correctness has made it so that non-blacks are incapable of commenting on the crisis without being called a racist. People like Bill Cosby are labeled as an "uncle tom" for speaking out against the hip-hop culture, father-less homes, dependency on welfare, money obsessed culture, gun obsessed culture etc.... Young african american men are more likely to grow up in poor areas with less than adequate parental supervision, failing schools, parents dependant on welfare, narcotics infested neighborhoods etc... From an early age they are taught through the culture in urban areas that crime is an acceptable means of making a living. These aren't the opinions of a racist or rantings of someone who believes anyone should be treated differently based upon any status in society, they are the findings of authors like Bakari Kitwana, a black author who has done extensive research on the "hip hop culture" and its larger effect on the african american community. As any good 12 step program will tell you the first step is admitting you have a problem. Well lets face it, african americans have a problem with crime, drugs, sexist treatment of women, materialistic values, father-less homes. It is these problems that lead to a lack of morals that in turn allows a generation of boys who never become MEN.
Jay Thomas
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 9:05 p.m.
The root of the problem, Atticus, is a lack of parenting and a counter productive culture. White people can't make you have children out of wedlock or glorify things like pimping, thug life, etc. Regarding the "white privilege" argument. That excuse is going to be a dinosaur soon enough. With the changing demographics it will become abundantly clear that the problem lies in the African American community and not with ethnic minorities in general. These same problems simply do not exist in Michigan with Arabs, Asians and Hispanics.
concerned
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 8:05 p.m.
Do you possibly think that you are looking at this from a world view of white privilege. Where we tend to look at all peoples existence to be like our own. Sometimes we need to walk in another persons shoes instead of just reading about them.
Atticus F.
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 3:13 p.m.
I think you are missing the point; which is that there has been an underlying level of inequity as it relates to education, and the availibility of jobs, among Many other things in the african american community. You are only looking at things from the outside, without considering the root of the problem.
Atticus F.
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:33 p.m.
Also, for the record, I feel like it is borderline obscene to make any reference in regards to protesters "not having jobs". And that those type of comments showcase the underlying ignorance, and self centered attitudes of people. Would you have made disparaging remarks in the days of the Montgomery bus Boycott? Would you have told Rosa Parks or MLK to "get a job", as you have told these protesters?
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 5:34 p.m.
It's too bad Martin Luther King Jr. isn't still around, because I'd enjoy hearing his response to having his marches compared to this pathetic display.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 4:05 p.m.
I looked twice Atticus, and for somebody who is so interested in the truth you sure know how to stretch it. NOWHERE, did I say "get a job". (your quotation marks) Very typical and instructive as to how this race baiting works. Put words in another person's mouth and declare them as true. Nice job and thanks for the example.
John of Saline
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 3:59 p.m.
They were protesting for civil rights. Assaulting people is not a civil right. Duh.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:28 p.m.
First of all, you need to let go of the lie that the coaches started the brawl. The coaches yelled at each other, which is not a crime, and there was one push that was deemed to be defensive in nature. Neither yelling nor a single push starts a brawl. A brawl requires multiple people to make the conscious choice to get involved. Every kid who got involved had the ability and freedom to make the choice to stay out of it, but didn't. "Ann Arbor Concerned Citizens for Justice has organized five upcoming rallies and marches through downtown Ann Arbor to raise awareness of what the group believes was an act of prejudice in prosecuting three black Pioneer High School students." If you have some evidence that there were some non-black students using weapons against other students or stepping on the faces of other students, please bring it forward. We all - including the prosecutor - would be interested in hearing about it. Otherwise, you're just using this situation to advance an environment of victimhood and racial divisiveness, which only serves to hold back those who you somehow believe you are trying to help.
1bit
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 10:59 a.m.
Of course those kids did it and should be charged accordingly. Maybe you're a prosecutor, but I'm unconvinced that there was "no crime" committed by the adults, however. Coaches are teachers on the field. If teachers in the classroom incited or instigated a brawl between two classrooms, they'd have lost their job in a heartbeat at a minimum. So the real question in my mind is whether losing their job is sufficient penalty and deterrent in the future.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 2:33 a.m.
"Kids follow the lead of the adults and adults are responsible by default." OK, fine. The adults are responsible for the kids that yelled at each other and pushed each other, because that's the example they set. I can agree to that. However, there's no crime committed there. The kid who picked up a weapon and used it, and the kids who gashed another kid's face with their feet, were following some other example, but not the coaches. They didn't do that.
1bit
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 12:39 a.m.
@US: You are mincing words. The coaches - the adults in charge of the kids - set the tone. Their actions and inactions led to the brawl. You make them sound like they were trying to hold back the kids and talk reasonably rather than instigating and inciting the brawl. You keep posting about responsibility and part of being an adult is being responsible for the children in your charge. Kids follow the lead of the adults and adults are responsible by default. Charging just the children, to me, sends exactly the wrong message to other adults and coaches.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 10:48 p.m.
I didn't say, "let go of the fact that the coaches started the brawl," I said, "Let go of the lie that the coaches started the brawl." The coaches started an argument. Thuggish students started the brawl.
belboz
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 7:35 p.m.
Let go of the fact that the coaches started the brawl? That seems contrary to everything I have read and seen. The entire issue started with them at the epicenter, and blossomed.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 3:44 p.m.
Certain physical acts rise to the criminal level, such as felonies with a weapon. Other lesser physical acts, such as pushing, shoving, and grabbing, do not, and require one person to bring charges against another person. Those who feel they were victims of such a lesser battery may do that if they wish, and if they choose not to, then that's the end of it. For example, if somebody walks up to me downtown and dope-slaps me, the prosecutor does not get involved because it's not a felony, but I can press charges against the person and see them in court. If somebody walks up to me and attacks me with a weapon, that's a crime regardless of whether I want to press charges. Prosecutors are only involved in the felonies, and my understanding is that they have charged all those who they have evidence against. It is their responsibility to do so; it's not something they do on a whim or for kicks. The cannot simply choose to ignore it. So, while it may seem as though prosecutors are "singaling-out" these three, the fact is these three are the only ones that they have evidence of the commission of acts at the level which the prosecutor gets involved. According to evidence, is appears all other acts were not of a felonious nature, and so the prosecutor does not get involved.
L'chaim
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 3:15 p.m.
Coaches didn't start the brawl, you say, "multiple people" did. In fact, "every kid involved." But only three black teens "used weapons" or "stepped on faces" which is, I suppose, the real crime, not brawling per se, or initiating a brawl. Right? And the prosecutors are race-blind, objective as a law book itself. They are singling out three black teens because they "used weapons" and "stepped on faces". They are ignoring all the other kids, and adults, and coaches who were "brawling" because, well, ... why? Brawling is not as offensive as using a weapon in a brawl?
Atticus F.
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:18 p.m.
First of all, Dr. Joseph Dulin is a highly respected, highly educated member of the community, and has been highly regarded within the AAPS system for over 35 years. He has been standing up against racial injustice within our school system since the 1970s, even before he opened Reberto Clemente. So before people start regurgitating a bunch of nonsense about 'racial injustice being non-existant', you might actually want to listen to him, consider what he is saying, and consider the facts of this situation.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 6:07 a.m.
Funny, the video told the whole story in the Rodney King case.
towncryer
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 11:35 p.m.
He may not technically have the title of "Dr" but I think most would agree he has done a lot of good through Roberto Clemente and he deeply cares about troubled students and getting them on the right path. Unfortunately, this cause he has attached himself to may be his new legacy. It seems like his only focus is on the "injustice" of the charges and not the actions themselves, and that is sad. Slippery slope here.
Chester Drawers
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 5:41 p.m.
Pretty sure Joe Dulin doesn't have a PhD or an EdD, so the title 'Doctor' is not justified.
Thoughtful
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 4:58 p.m.
Atticus, the video doesn't tell the whole story. There are also witnesses. Find the white kid who swung a crutch or stepped on a kids face and he's JUST as RESPONSIBLE. Quit making excuses. I grew up poor and I'm not a criminal. If these suspects get off scott free, they will do it again. And again. You break the cycle by having them own up and be responsible.
glimmertwin
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 4:02 p.m.
>> charging a young man with a felony has the potential to ruin a kids ENTIRE life Nope. "Committing" a felony has the potential to ruin a life - anybody's. Big difference.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 3:17 p.m.
"taking a perverse pleasure in the suffering of wrong doers" I'm not sure where you get that from. Expecting the enforcement of our laws is hardly anything close to that. It's quite foul for you to even suggest it. However, I"m not surprised to see it.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:44 p.m.
Charging somebody with a felony never ruins a life. However, choosing to commit a felony can have a negative affect on one's own life. The responsibility for the negative result lies on the person who committed the felony, not the person who caught him doing it.
Atticus F.
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:40 p.m.
First of all, video doesn't always tell the whole story. Second of all, charging a young man with a felony has the potential to ruin a kids ENTIRE life, which makes perfect sense if you enjoy watching the suffering of others... However, it makes absolutely no sense if you care about the fabric of our society. We should be looking for ways to help these kids become productive members of society, not looking for ways to condemn them to a never ending cycle of joblessness, poverty, and prison.
a2roots
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:31 p.m.
The facts and video speak loudly. Dulin losing all kinds of credibility with this cause.
glimmertwin
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:28 p.m.
...or you could just watch the video.
mady
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:03 p.m.
To A2.com: thanks for providing the times/places where these marches begin so I can plan to be elsewhere!
Ricebrnr
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:03 p.m.
Wait WAIT, more importantly why aren't we discussing the banning of crutches, not to mention doodles, pastries, confections and hand signs resembling crutches in our schools! Clearly crutches are of the Devil as they randomly and wantonly strike! Think of the children!!!!
squidlover
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 1:52 p.m.
Kwame, discussions regarding the principal at Carpenter being placed on leave, now this.... I swear, it's as if this area is intending to give Michelle Norris enough race-related material to ensure enough work to last a lifetime. You can't make this stuff up.
belboz
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 1:40 p.m.
Certainly the kids should not be fighting, and things got out of control. But, to punish the kids only is pretty sad, considering they were reacting to the emotions and actions of the coaches. If the community does not feel compelled to prosecute the coaches, I certainly understand the absolute frustration that the kids are being pursued. Per Michigan law: Inciting a Riot: "...to do an act or engage in conduct that urges other persons to commit acts of unlawful force or violence" Definition of Urge: To stimulate; excite. I would certainly say the coaches acted in a way that stimulated and excited other persons to commit acts of violence. So, when the adult white males are walking away from serious charges, of course people wonder (as I, a white male) what is up with felony charges against a boy just starting life. It is a sad example, and I would have hoped for a bit more compassion from a community like Ann Arbor.
belboz
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 7:33 p.m.
I am saying that the fight would probably not have happened had the coaches acted appropriately. I would imagine the reason for the law is that people recognize that people in leadership positions have a great impact on how a group responds. People have been charged with inciting a riot and never pushed or touched another person. It doesn't have to be equal to or greater than the actions of the people "rioting", just enough to "urge." Really, I don't think anyone should be charged. But, the fact that they are picking on the kids is what I find troubling.
BobbyJohn
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 5:37 p.m.
The immature coaches were just yelling at and shoving each other. The accused students were stomping on another student's head while wearing football cleats. They sent this kid to the hospital. As for swinging a metal crutch at someone's head, that could cause very serious injury. These charges are filed to protect students from being hurt by these apparently mindless and uncaring students, who don't care if they over react to the situation and take the risk of maiming somebody for life. They deserve to be charged, and if convicted, deserve some real punishment to be taught a life lesson.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:34 p.m.
belboz, you are suggesting that yelling and one push is "inciting a riot?" Can you really be serious? If that were the case, there would be riots incited every time drunk OSU fans (redundant, I know) appear in Ann Arbor. Inciting a riot requires encouraging other people to get involved. Nobody encouraged the students to get involved. There was nothing to get involved in until the students started fighting.
Ricardo Queso
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 1:58 p.m.
The problem with your logic is that a vast majority of players kept their wits about them.
observer
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 1:32 p.m.
Careful, with all this "enabling," you are sending a message to these young men that what they did was right.......this case has been investigated time and time again....let's finally move on......
alarictoo
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 1:30 p.m.
I'm thinking that, just perhaps, Mr. Dulin was missing seeing his name in the news.
golfer
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 1:27 p.m.
sorry it is a lesson in life. you do something wrong you pay the price. i really do not know all of it. i just know that if you are caught then you are caught
Bballmom
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
This is the problem,no one will take responsibility for their actions. The video clearly revels the actions,grow up and take your consequences. It doesn't matter the color of our skin,your culture you do the crime, you do the time.
TheDiagSquirrel
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 1:04 p.m.
Does this group have permits or prior approval to have an organized protest, especially with police escorting?
Angry Moderate
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 10:08 p.m.
Permits are racist.
a2roots
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 12:44 p.m.
Watch the video. Put the race card away. In Dulin's eyes, African American students have never done anything wrong.
Ricardo Queso
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 12:42 p.m.
Does the AACCJ have data to support their claims of overcharging and prosecution of black males? Does the AACCJ have evidence demonstrating the racism they allege? Has AA.com asked AACCJ to support their statements?
Ricardo Queso
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 4:13 p.m.
OK atticus, let's all beat our breast in collective guilt.
Atticus F.
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:54 p.m.
Yes on all counts. If you need further evidence, look at the national numbers of people in jail for things like marijuana. African American males are 5x as likely to be in jail for this charge... Do you honestly think that white males don't smoke pot?... they do, yet there are not as heavily targeted by police and prosectuors. Please stop turning a blind eye to these FACTS, because by ignoring facts like this, you discredit yourself, and you discredit your arguement (not to mention making yourself sound foolish).
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:35 p.m.
No on all counts.
Billy
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 12:40 p.m.
Anyone else get the irony here in CREATING racism by CRYING racism when there isn't any?
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:36 p.m.
Considering it was a key strategy in the last election and it went unchallenged by the media, it has now become a part of our daily life.
craigjjs
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 12:36 p.m.
Police and prosecutors frequently overcharge the accused. It happens here and elsewhere. If I am to believe that this conduct is racially motivated, I need to see a lot more proof than angry people shouting "what about him" and "what about him".
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 12:33 p.m.
"Ann Arbor Concerned Citizens for Justice has organized five upcoming rallies and marches through downtown Ann Arbor" Don't these guys have jobs?
Billy
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 12:23 p.m.
Cool....If i'm down that way I'll be sure to PROTEST your little march...
glimmertwin
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 12:22 p.m.
The "but everyone else did it too" defense is no defense. Be accountable, that's what these protesters should be demonstrating to the 3 kids charged.
antikvetch
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 12:17 p.m.
This group is messing these kid up WAY more than the criminal charges.
Billy
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 12:24 p.m.
They're fostering entitlement mentalities of epic proportions in those children's minds...
PlateSpinner
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 12:12 p.m.
"The schools, where parents send their children to learn and to be supervised by responsible adults, appear to have failed these students." So glad to see there's no parental involvement in making sure the kids know not to commit assault and battery (I watched the video and saw a great deal of battery being committed by a great deal of people, not just allegedly by these three students). I would think that learning about right and wrong behavior STARTS AT HOME, and that requires a great deal of parental involvement. Sorry, the schools are not your nanny.
Basic Bob
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 3:26 p.m.
The schools have a responsibility to punish students who break school rules on school property at a school sanctioned event. They failed.
Thoughtful
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 11:28 a.m.
You only see what you want to see. There are witnesses in addition to the video who saw the crutch swinger. I suppose they are wrong too. Everyone is wrong and the accused are innocent angels. I have some swampland in Florida........
ViSHa
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:58 p.m.
The crutch swinger needs to man up and admit to what the video shows. It's a shame that instead of being used by those with an agenda, he just didn't get better legal advice. At this point, I hope the prosecutor's office digs in its heels because it has now become an exercise in eye-roll-inducing ridiculousness.
Dexter Man
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 11:09 a.m.
Only in Ann Arbor. Whose fault is it that theses kids injured some other players? I suppose they are innocent even though they had video of the incident. It is the same old song.
craigjjs
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 12:30 p.m.
No, not only in Ann Arbor. People take on unworthy causes all the time; sometimes for gain; sometimes because they are just mistaken. If you think that only happens in Ann Arbor, you need to leave your bubble and visit the the big world outside of Dexter.
HB11
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 11 a.m.
Puh-lease! Watch the video.
1bit
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 10:45 a.m.
"It's purely racism," he said of County Prosecutor Brian Mackie charging these teens. " No, it's not racism. These kids aren't' "innocent" and should be charged. The only fault is in not charging the adults and other teens involved.
Jay Thomas
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 9:18 p.m.
Charging them with what... pushing? Curiously, if everything was reduced one notch, and the coaches yelled at each other, and the black kids pushed a couple other kids -- and were charged with assault -- I would agree that an injustice may be occurring. However, that is not what happened.
1bit
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 4:20 p.m.
"That is up for a Jury to decide..." That's exactly my point. The argument that "you didn't charge someone else so you shouldn't charge these kids" is false. Everyone should be charged who was involved. I am still uncertain as to why the adults who may have instigated this melee are not held more responsible.
Basic Bob
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 3:24 p.m.
I didn't hear the reports of any coaches or Huron players swinging crutches. The prosecutor should not make up a phony charge just to satisfy the public outcry.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:39 p.m.
"while others, who had the same level of involvement were not." For example?
Ricardo Queso
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:36 p.m.
Identify the "others" not charged.
Atticus F.
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:09 p.m.
First of all, it's not up to YOU to determine who is "innocent" and who is not! That is up for a Jury to decide... Also, I think that you are completely missing the underlying factor; which is that there is a racist tone behind the fact that african american kids were charged, while others, who had the same level of involvement were not.
michaywe
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 10:43 a.m.
Don't protest - VOTE!
Atticus F.
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
You have the right to do both. Would you have said the same comment about the protest the MLK was involved in?
Arboriginal
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 10:09 a.m.
Finally.
dancinginmysoul
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 3:32 p.m.
Agreed.