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Post by wingtol on Jul 12, 2007 6:48:36 GMT -6
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Post by brophy on Jul 12, 2007 7:57:56 GMT -6
The school's athletic program has been at the center of a firestorm over a sex scandal involving the school's star football player and an underage schoolmate.
A scathing grand jury report released in June details how school officials took no action against Antwain Easterling, then 18, although they knew he had seduced a 14-year old girl.
At least 17 school employees knew Easterling had sex with the girl, an honors student and band member, on a bathroom floor on Sept. 16, 2006. In October, the girl's mother talked to a guidance counselor and two teachers about it. The guidance counselor believed the sex constituted ''statutory rape'' and informed the school's principal and two assistant principals.
The principal, Dwight Bernard, assured her police would be called, the guidance counselor told police.
That never happened.
On Dec. 5, the girl's mother finally told the story to schools Officer David Thompson at a nearby Dunkin' Donuts shop.
Soon after that, Easterling was charged with lewd and lascivious battery on a minor. According to Miami-Dade School Board policy, he should have been suspended for at least 10 days.
But Bernard and district administrators ignored the mandate and allowed Easterling to play in the state title game, three days after his arrest. Northwestern won. |
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Post by airman on Jul 12, 2007 8:22:32 GMT -6
so is the principal going to get the axe as well for failure to do the job? it always amazes my how the ad or the coach has to take one for the team but the administration walks away clean.
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Post by airraider on Jul 12, 2007 8:27:02 GMT -6
Im completely glad this shook down like it did. Those guys didnt need to be coaching children anyway.
But, I was a bit troubled by the statement that they choose football over the "little" girl's well being. It was not said that the girl was raped. I took it as being an act of free will. This little girls parents should stand up and take some responsibility as well. Its a sad reality, but today that age is becoming lower and lower as to when young people venture into the world of sexual exploration.
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Post by oguru on Jul 12, 2007 8:35:25 GMT -6
hey the law is pure and simple. If your 18 or older and have sex with soemone under 18 who is a minor. It's rape. It doesn't matter whether she said yes or not. If she is under 18 IT'S RAPE
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Post by easye17 on Jul 12, 2007 8:39:58 GMT -6
Wow! Win at all costs, huh?
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Post by airraider on Jul 12, 2007 8:40:14 GMT -6
well.. in the eyes of the law.. you are completely right.. and I am not disputing the law here.. I am just saying that acting as if the girl is the victim here is probably not correct.
My wife is 4 years younger than I am now. The same age difference... What is she was 17? Its still against the law, but how bad of a law would that be? We were all 18 once..
But once again.. not saying its a bad law.. 18 year olds should not be having sex with 14 year olds.. but I hardly feel like the girl is a victim in the matter.
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Post by oguru on Jul 12, 2007 8:41:51 GMT -6
we4ll what you feel and what the LAW says are totally different and the law is the only thign that maters. This kid can kiss his college career good bye because of his mistake that he made.
Yes the girl is the victim. SHE WAS RAPED
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Post by brophy on Jul 12, 2007 8:59:42 GMT -6
Im completely glad this shook down like it did. Those guys didnt need to be coaching children anyway. But, I was a bit troubled by the statement that they choose football over the "little" girl's well being. It was not said that the girl was raped. I took it as being an act of free will. This little girls parents should stand up and take some responsibility as well. Its a sad reality, but today that age is becoming lower and lower as to when young people venture into the world of sexual exploration. further in the article........ Easterling was never disciplined by the school and has since entered an intervention program for first-time offenders that will wipe the felony arrest from his record.
The girl has twice tried to commit suicide and was treated at a mental health facility, according to the Miami-Dade state attorney's office.
In June, Bernard was indicted on two third-degree felony counts of official misconduct.
''The athletic director has decided to resign his position for the best interest of the school,'' said interim principal Charles Hankerson. ``It's a positive step toward us trying to move on as a school.'' if an 8 year old or a 12 year old or a 14 year old engages in sexual acts, what "free will" do they really have? What perspective do they have? Consentual sex is seen as something between adults. 18 is the age of adulthood. 14 is not Age is seen as power, just like an employer advancing on an employee.........the superior coerces a subordinate. I agree with your premise, though, about parents taking responsibility for the integrity of their children and especially training girls about self-respect and chastity. |
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Post by airraider on Jul 12, 2007 9:22:55 GMT -6
we4ll what you feel and what the LAW says are totally different and the law is the only thign that maters. This kid can kiss his college career good bye because of his mistake that he made. Yes the girl is the victim. SHE WAS RAPED well this thread was not intended to go this direction so this will be the last post I make on it.. but you are being completely ignorant in this situation.. Neither of us know the underlying circumstances in this situation.. Am I saying he was not in the wrong because she was willing?? Absolutley not!! I am just saying.. that she too should be forced to take responsiblity.. if nothing else within her family.. her parents should stand up and take responsibility.. If I had a 14 year old daughter who did this.. she would be pulled from such a school and sent off to boarding school or something.. just my $.02 |
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Post by brophy on Jul 12, 2007 9:28:45 GMT -6
the fact that nothing was done in this situation by the administration is the root of the issue.
I think the point airraider is making here is valid (and something that even the NFL discusses with their rookies) - the player more than likely didn't DRAG the girl in the bathroom. She entered the bathroom of her own free will...........that is a poor decision (that you KNOW what it was implying)....
A recent incident in our area had a 15 year old girl claiming rape, after going over to a 35 year old man's house and drinking with this man and his friends for the better part of the night. Bad decisions make bad situations worse.
Player does something wrong - he's CHARGED with a crime..........YOU'D better follow through.
However,
WHAT DO YOU DO WHENA PLAYER "DID" SOMETHING, BUT HASN'T BEEN CHARGED / CONFESSED?
...........had to deal with these situations in the past, and the answer isn't always so clear cut
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Post by airraider on Jul 12, 2007 9:50:43 GMT -6
Exactly, ALL were wong in the situation.. from the girl, to the player, to ALL faculty involved in the cover-up. Oh and her parents obviously failed to do something right somewhere down the road.
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Post by groundchuck on Jul 12, 2007 9:55:50 GMT -6
the fact that nothing was done in this situation by the administration is the root of the issue. I think the point airraider is making here is valid (and something that even the NFL discusses with their rookies) - the player more than likely didn't DRAG the girl in the bathroom. She entered the bathroom of her own free will...........that is a poor decision (that you KNOW what it was implying).... A recent incident in our area had a 15 year old girl claiming rape, after going over to a 35 year old man's house and drinking with this man and his friends for the better part of the night. Bad decisions make bad situations worse. Player does something wrong - he's CHARGED with a crime..........YOU'D better follow through. However, WHAT DO YOU DO WHENA PLAYER "DID" SOMETHING, BUT HASN'T BEEN CHARGED / CONFESSED? ...........had to deal with these situations in the past, and the answer isn't always so clear cut Then the follow-up...what if he is charged, suspended, then cleared in court of all charges? |
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Post by airraider on Jul 12, 2007 10:00:45 GMT -6
Im completely glad this shook down like it did. Those guys didnt need to be coaching children anyway. But, I was a bit troubled by the statement that they choose football over the "little" girl's well being. It was not said that the girl was raped. I took it as being an act of free will. This little girls parents should stand up and take some responsibility as well. Its a sad reality, but today that age is becoming lower and lower as to when young people venture into the world of sexual exploration. further in the article........ Easterling was never disciplined by the school and has since entered an intervention program for first-time offenders that will wipe the felony arrest from his record.
The girl has twice tried to commit suicide and was treated at a mental health facility, according to the Miami-Dade state attorney's office.
In June, Bernard was indicted on two third-degree felony counts of official misconduct.
''The athletic director has decided to resign his position for the best interest of the school,'' said interim principal Charles Hankerson. ``It's a positive step toward us trying to move on as a school.'' if an 8 year old or a 12 year old or a 14 year old engages in sexual acts, what "free will" do they really have? What perspective do they have? Consentual sex is seen as something between adults. 18 is the age of adulthood. 14 is not Age is seen as power, just like an employer advancing on an employee.........the superior coerces a subordinate. I agree with your premise, though, about parents taking responsibility for the integrity of their children and especially training girls about self-respect and chastity. well with the attempts at suicide.. I just dont know.. maybe there is more than meets the eye.. But.. in terms of free will and knowing right from wrong.. what is the age of accountability? We know what the law says about someone over the age having sex with a young person.. but what about that young person? If a 10 year old kills someone.. they are held accountable.. there are studies that show that they KNEW what they were doing.. If you do not think that this 14 year old girl KNEW what she was doing.. then you are really kidding yourself.. Once again.. my arguement is not that the guy should not be in trouble because the girl was willing.. its that she TOO should be held accountable for HER actions in this matter. |
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Post by brophy on Jul 12, 2007 10:06:27 GMT -6
well with the attempts at suicide.. I just dont know.. maybe there is more than meets the eye.. But.. in terms of free will and knowing right from wrong.. what is the age of accountability? We know what the law says about someone over the age having sex with a young person.. but what about that young person? If a 10 year old kills someone.. they are held accountable.. there are studies that show that they KNEW what they were doing.. If you do not think that this 14 year old girl KNEW what she was doing.. then you are really kidding yourself.. Once again.. my arguement is not that the guy should not be in trouble because the girl was willing.. its that she TOO should be held accountable for HER actions in this matter. completely different issues altogether that football coaches (besides Tog Matlock) probably aren't qualified to answer. YOUR player in TROUBLE - how you and the administration address it - that is the issue |
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Post by airraider on Jul 12, 2007 10:12:34 GMT -6
well with the attempts at suicide.. I just dont know.. maybe there is more than meets the eye.. But.. in terms of free will and knowing right from wrong.. what is the age of accountability? We know what the law says about someone over the age having sex with a young person.. but what about that young person? If a 10 year old kills someone.. they are held accountable.. there are studies that show that they KNEW what they were doing.. If you do not think that this 14 year old girl KNEW what she was doing.. then you are really kidding yourself.. Once again.. my arguement is not that the guy should not be in trouble because the girl was willing.. its that she TOO should be held accountable for HER actions in this matter. completely different issues altogether that football coaches (besides Tog Matlock) probably aren't qualified to answer. YOUR player in TROUBLE - how you and the administration address it - that is the issue That is a tough situation. I have had players in the past.. and with my recent job.. I can see some in the future.. where I/WE had to go to bat for them.. whether it be to sit in front of a judge and plea for a chance to take responsibility fo that player's future actions.. or just simply do our best to council them.. I feel that the actions taken by these coaches CANNOT be done.. You cannot cover up such a situation.. There was an incident a few years back involving a coach named David Swacker from South Louisiana.. It actually made Oprah I think.. There was some hazing that went on in the locker room.. he found out about it and reported it to his principal.. not sure where it went from there.. but he had some heavy heat brough on him because he did not report it to the authorities.. |
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Post by fbdoc on Jul 12, 2007 10:34:19 GMT -6
The principal was fired (and indicted!) last spring and now the coaches are being dismissed but allowed to stay and teach. Airraider is right when he says we don't "know" all the underlying circumstances but...
18 year old male has sex in the bathroom with 14 year old girl ...
Principal doesn't report it (for weeks!), lets him play in the "Big" game...
Thats enough for me to make a reasonable and prudent decision.
Here is the article from today's Sun-Sentinel
Northwestern football team can play
By Kevin Clark
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Posted July 11 2007
MIAMI -- Defending Class 6A football champion Miami Northwestern High School, mired in controversy after a far-reaching cover-up, will be allowed to play its 2007 football season, Miami-Dade County School Superintendent Rudy Crew announced Wednesday before an overflow crowd at a school board meeting.
The superintendent, who was contemplating canceling the season, spoke of a long list of problems with the "F" rated school and announced several changes and procedures.
"I had a forum at the school last year and 50 people showed up," Crew said to the pro-Northwestern contingent, estimated at 200. "I talk about closing a football team and they fly in from everywhere."
Crew said he will require every varsity Bulls player to sign an affidavit to commit to good behavior.
"Should you violate that contract," Crew said, "you invoke from me the ability to cancel the season."
He outlined a plan for Northwestern, including firing the varsity coaching staff though they will be allowed to keep teaching.
Donnie Youmans, a Bulls JV football coach was visibly upset at the decision to release the varsity staff.
"A lot of the coaches didn't know what was going on," Youmans said of the scandal. "I'm at a loss for words."
Northwestern's program has been under scrutiny since last December, when star running back Antwain Easterling played for the Bulls in the Class 6A championship, days after he was charged with lewd and lascivious battery, involving a 14-year-old girl. A grand jury investigation concluded Northwestern administrators knew of the charges.
Former principal Dwight Bernard was indicted June 6 for failing to report unlawful sex to police and athletic director Gregory Killings resigned last week. Easterling plans to play football this fall at Southern Mississippi.
With Northwestern's season continuing as planned, it will host Deerfield Beach in a preseason football game at Traz Powell Stadium on Aug. 24.
"We just want the kids to play. This team means a lot to me," said Wendell Sturrup, class of 1957. "Don't blame the kids for a district mistake."
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Post by brophy on Jul 12, 2007 11:01:51 GMT -6
Sounds like a great opportunity for a good coach to come in and................ get undercut and stabbed in the back by the bitter guys who remain in the school teaching  |
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Post by airraider on Jul 12, 2007 11:18:44 GMT -6
Well the way it usually works is.. Hey.. you can still teach.. but you cant coach.. so those guys usually leave and go elsewhere. if they are tenured... then its hard to fire them as teachers.. but take away coaching and most will just leave..
at least thats the way its done here a lot.
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Post by wingtol on Jul 12, 2007 11:32:24 GMT -6
I am still amazed after viewing that clip again that those guys weren't fired after that went public
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Post by airraider on Jul 12, 2007 11:36:08 GMT -6
I am still amazed after viewing that clip again that those guys weren't fired after that went public My thoughts exactly!! |
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Post by briangilbert on Jul 12, 2007 12:55:34 GMT -6
In my mind Rape might as well be the same thing as Murder. These coaches need to stay away from kids for a long time! I know we all have different morals but we I'd hope can all agree that this is messed up.
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Post by easye17 on Jul 12, 2007 13:02:05 GMT -6
Story is big enough it was just on ESPN this morning.
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Post by amikell on Jul 12, 2007 13:48:19 GMT -6
Wow. How in the world does anyone from that coaching staff still have a job? Aside from the rape story, that video was enough to get some people fired, the language is one thing, bad yes, but getting in a fight w/ a player. wow.
fortunately, at least i hope, stories like this are more the exception than the rule. for every state championship won by a team like that there are certainly 10+ whose programs are run w/ class and dignity by respectable, responsible coaches. too bad it's these exceptions that earn the rest of us bad names.
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Post by dacoachmo on Jul 12, 2007 13:54:41 GMT -6
I am still amazed after viewing that clip again that those guys weren't fired after that went public My thoughts exactly!! I second that! makes me sick to watch it... |
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Post by khalfie on Jul 12, 2007 14:32:23 GMT -6
Poor coaching aside... Let me see if I understand this correctly... Stud HIGH SCHOOL HB gets HIGH SCHOOL freshman to have sex with him in the bathroom, and the coaches on this board are calling for the death penalty because this is rape? Statutory rape? What's the Statutory Rape law in Florida? Anyone asked that question? Did the Miami Northwestern staff ask that question? Quoting Florida Statutes Section 794.05 - Unlawful sexual activity with certain minors.
(1) A person 24 years of age or older who engages in sexual activity with a person 16 or 17 years of age commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. As used in this section, "sexual activity" means oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another; however, sexual activity does not include an act done for a bona fide medical purpose.
(2) The provisions of this section do not apply to a person 16 or 17 years of age who has had the disabilities of nonage removed under chapter 743.
(3) The victim's prior sexual conduct is not a relevant issue in a prosecution under this section.
(4) If an offense under this section directly results in the victim giving birth to a child, paternity of that child shall be established as described in chapter 742. If it is determined that the offender is the father of the child, the offender must pay child support pursuant to the child support guidelines described in chapter 61.Doesn't sound like rape to me... but again, I'm no lawyer... but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn last night!  |
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Post by airraider on Jul 12, 2007 19:29:34 GMT -6
Yea I would hate to think about just how many of us on this board did the very same thing that this kid did when we were in high school. Heck I am sure many of us were out of high school in the 19-20 age range and still messing with 16 and 17 year old girls.
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Post by wingtol on Jul 12, 2007 19:43:28 GMT -6
Yea I would hate to think about just how many of us on this board did the very same thing that this kid did when we were in high school. Heck I am sure many of us were out of high school in the 19-20 age range and still messing with 16 and 17 year old girls. I am not blaming the kid here, he was charged with whatever so it is what it is there, I was looking at it from a coaching/adminstrative issue. Sounds like they covered the whole thing up to keep the kid playing, thats why I think its a sad situation. |
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Post by amikell on Jul 12, 2007 19:57:47 GMT -6
from the video, i wouldn't put anything past the coaching staff, and if the admin has any clue what-so-ever about what goes on at their practices then their ignoring the criminal charges to win the big deal should come as no suprise.
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