Friday, June 22, 2007

Updated: Pressler Book Signing

Updated on June 22, 2007
Congratulations to Coach Mike Pressler and Dan Yaeger for making the New York Times bestseller list. Their book 'It's Not About the Truth' made it to the bestseller list yesterday. Here is more media coverage of Coach Pressler and Dan Yeager.

  • Pressler gets to 'The Truth' Newsobserver
  • Pressler says police used coercive tactics Herald Sun
  • Former Duke Lacrosse Coach Signs Books, Reflects on Case WRAL

    Posted on June 11, 2007
    Congratulations to Coach Mike Pressler and Dan Yaeger on the publication of their book "It's Not About The Truth." If you have not purchased the book yet, click here to order a copy: It's Not About The Truth: The Untold Story of the Duke Lacrosse Rape Case and the Lives It Shattered.

    Coach Pressler will be signing books from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Lax Hut on 4161 Merrick Road in Massapequa, Long Island, on Friday, June 15th. Matt Zash, one of the co-captains of the Duke Mens Lacrosse Team in 2006, is a part-owner of the Lax Hut.

    Coach Pressler will also be at Mitchell Field, Uniondale (Long Island), NY on Saturday, June 16th to sign copies of his newly released book. He will be there from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Long Island Lizards will host the Philadelphia Barrage at the same place. Their game time is 1:00 p.m.

    Books may be purchased at both events.

    Related reading:
    Ex-Coach Discusses Duke Lacrosse Case
    On the Bookshelf
    A Conversation with Susan Pressler
    Scapegoating

  • Tuesday, June 19, 2007

    Nifong Suspended

    Two days ago, Durham District Attorney Michael Nifong was found guilty on 27 of 32 ethical charges brought against him by the NC State Bar in handling the Duke lacrosse case. As a result of those findings, Mr. Nifong was disbarred on Saturday. Earlier today, Superior Court Judge Orlando Hudson suspended Mr. Nifong ending his career immediately as a district attorney.

    Beth Brewer, a courageous Durham resident, should be congratulated and praised for providing the legal mechanism for the judge to issue Mr. Nifong’s suspension today. If not for the petition that Beth Brewer filed several months ago to remove Mr. Nifong from office, the suspension today might not have been possible. Thank you Beth Brewer, for being a good citizen!

    Here are links for more details on today’s developments:
  • Nifong Served With Suspension Order WRAL
  • Judge suspends Duke rape DA immediately Associated Press
  • Judge to suspend dallying Nifong today Newsobserver

    To read more about 'good citizen' Beth Brewer:
  • Profile in Courage - Beth Brewer by Joan Collins
  • Thank you, Beth Brewer John in Carolina
  • INNOCENT: Thanks again, Beth Brewer John in Carolina

  • Monday, June 18, 2007

    Duke Settles With Indicted Players

    Breaking News: The Chronicle is reporting that Duke University reached a financial settlement with formerly indicted lacrosse players. Here are more details:

  • Duke University, Three Lacrosse Players Announce Settlement Duke University
  • Duke announce settlement with indicted laxers The Chronicle
  • Duke reaches settlement with players Associated Press
  • Duke and Three Families Settle KC Johnson

  • Saturday, June 16, 2007

    Nifong Trial Verdict

    Breaking News: Durham DA Michael Nifong was found guilty on 27 of the 32 ethical charges brought against him by the NC Bar. An AP report indicates the following:

    Mike Nifong broke numerous rules of professional conduct during his disastrous prosecution of three Duke University lacrosse players falsely accused of rape, committing "deceit and misrepresentations," a disciplinary committee ruled Saturday.

    Selected Videos:
    David Evans Sr. State Bar Testimony
    Mary Ellen Finnerty State Bar Testimony
    Nifong Says He should Be Disbarred
    Disciplinary Board Disbars Nifong
    Duke Lacrosse Defense Attorneys News Conference
    Selected articles:
    Comments of Disciplinary Panel’s ChairmanThe New York Times
    Bar Accepts Nifong's Offer to Surrender Law License WRAL
    N.C. panel disbars Duke prosecutor AP
    Former Duke Prosecutor Nifong Disbarred June 18, ABC News
    Bar strips Nifong of his law license Newsobserver
    Findings KC Johnson
    Duke prosecutor: He should be disbarred AP
    Nifong Accepts Disbarment KC Johnson
    Committee: Duke prosecutor broke rules AP
    Verdict KC Johnson

    Friday, June 15, 2007

    DA Michael Nifong Resigns

    Breaking News: Durham DA Michael Nifong just announced that he will resign his post. This is something we had hoped for. We are glad to hear that Mr. Nifong finally reached that decision. Below are links to selected media coverage on this topic.

    Articles:
    Law Expert: Cleared Player's Testimony Devastating for Nifong WRAL
    Reactions to Nifong's resignation Newsobserver
    Embattled Nifong Says He'll Resign WRAL
    Nifong resigns KC Johnson
    Nifong says he'll quit as district attorney Newsobserver
    Duke prosecutor says he will resign Associated Press
    Videos:
    Reade Seligmann Full Testimony
    Nifong announces he is resigning
    Nifong’s testimony ‘Extraordinary’ lacrosse attorney says

    Thursday, June 07, 2007

    Fundraiser Event - Final Update

    About a week ago, an important fundraiser event was concluded by Ethical Durham in support of the lacrosse legal defense fund. Through that effort, a Chevy Tahoe 2007 was raffled off and $66,300 was raised for the defense fund. This was a major undertaking and it required a lot of coordination and effort by many individuals. Even the legal status of Ethical Durham had to be changed to be able to carry it out. All those hurdles were successfully crossed. Today, I would like to acknowledge major contributions made to this important fundraiser by several individuals and thank them. Without their contributions, the raffle would not have been possible.

    First and foremost, our thanks go to Robert and Sally Fogarty for donating the Chevy Tahoe 2007. Their generosity is much appreciated by the beneficiaries of the legal defense fund. In fact, words are not enough to thank them properly. Many thanks for Ethical Durham as well! They worked tirelessly to make this a successful fundraiser. This was the group’s first serious fundraiser and they had to learn every step of the way. Despite that, they handled the event like professionals. Our hats are off to Ethical Durham and Stefanie Sparks in particular. Last but not least, thank you Mrs. Susan Wolcott and Mr. George Jennison for handling the overall coordination and logistics. Without your guidance and leadership the raffle would not have been a success.

    This brings me to the next group of people who deserves a big thank you. That’s you, all the supporters and friends who purchased the raffle tickets. Thank you for purchasing those tickets. You could not have spent $100 per ticket for a worthier cause. Your support is much appreciated by those who will benefit from the defense fund.

    Finally, I would like to congratulate the lucky winner of the raffle. I truly hope you will use your Chevy Tahoe in good times.