Domestic Violence, Athletics and the Media UPDATE

A while back I wrote about an incident concerning a college football star and allegations that he physically assaulted his partner . I wrote that the University’s response and the way the media (locally and nationally) portrayed the incident was cruel, disturbing and all too common. 

Today an official plea was rendered (guilty) and the defendant was sentenced. 

James pleaded guilty to harassment charges today and received 10 days in jail and 24 months probation. The sentencing memorandum is interesting to read. James also wrote an apology letter. He’ll get credit for two days served, and because of jail overcrowding likely do community service rather than spend eight more days in jail.

On this same day, one of James teammates , the star quarterback of the team pleaded guilty to second degree burglary- he stole a frat house’s laptop. 

How did the team and head coach handle these off-field crimes ? 

EUGENE – Oregon coach Chip Kelly has suspended quarterback Jeremiah Masoli for the 2010 season after he pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary today. Kelly also suspended running back LaMichael James and kicker Rob Beard, who both pleaded guilty to harassment in separate cases, for the opening game of the 2010 season.

LaMichael James may have plead guilty in a deal with the DA for a lesser charge of harassment but court documents still plainly show he physically choked, hit and intimidated his girlfriend. 

Steal a laptop: suspended for the season. Hit your girlfriend: suspended for one game.  

No Words.