Willis making the rounds, talks to DMN...

[RE Tycoon]

and fingers Sanders as the other perpetrator

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent ... b68c1.html

[J.T.supporta]

Its good to know that he wants to remain at SMU.

[RE Tycoon]

I agree, this is strongest statement by Willis so far. The thing that stands out is that he does not blame Bennett for the incident. I'm glad he is speaking out and telling his side. I'm sure SMU is not so happy, but without the interviews telling his version, the media would be able to run with the hate crime angle.

I'd also like to bring up OC's point form another thread. How does the stalker become the victim, it's so backwards.

Regardless of the facts and who is right and wrong I'm sure we all want this mess to be cleared up so the team can move on with some continuity, whatever that may be. I want Willis back, but I don't make the decisions.

[abezontar]

I agree, this is strongest statement by Willis so far. The thing that stands out is that he does not blame Bennett for the incident. I'm glad he is speaking out and telling his side. I'm sure SMU is not so happy, but without the interviews telling his version, the media would be able to run with the hate crime angle.

I'd also like to bring up OC's point form another thread. How does the stalker become the victim, it's so backwards.

Regardless of the facts and who is right and wrong I'm sure we all want this mess to be cleared up so the team can move on with some continuity, whatever that may be. I want Willis back, but I don't make the decisions.

Because the stalker was not the one who initiated the contact, or threw a punch. His actions might allow Willis to raise a provocation defense but from the reports out so far the only contact Beard and Willis had that day or just prior to the incident was when Willis went up to Beard and initiated contact, therefore the provocation defense will probably not fly. It's all moot though unless charges are brought. Was Willis issued a citation at the scene or is DPD going to issue a citation? If not, I seriously doubt that either the city attorney's office or the district attorney's office will pursue the matter, they have way too much else to deal with.

[Z-Man]

How does the stalker become the victim, it's so backwards.

This is what happens when you let political correctness destroy what used to be a sane civilization.

[bigdaddy08091]

I agree, this is strongest statement by Willis so far. The thing that stands out is that he does not blame Bennett for the incident. I'm glad he is speaking out and telling his side. I'm sure SMU is not so happy, but without the interviews telling his version, the media would be able to run with the hate crime angle.

I'd also like to bring up OC's point form another thread. How does the stalker become the victim, it's so backwards.

Regardless of the facts and who is right and wrong I'm sure we all want this mess to be cleared up so the team can move on with some continuity, whatever that may be. I want Willis back, but I don't make the decisions.

Because the stalker was not the one who initiated the contact, or threw a punch. His actions might allow Willis to raise a provocation defense but from the reports out so far the only contact Beard and Willis had that day or just prior to the incident was when Willis went up to Beard and initiated contact, therefore the provocation defense will probably not fly. It's all moot though unless charges are brought. Was Willis issued a citation at the scene or is DPD going to issue a citation? If not, I seriously doubt that either the city attorney's office or the district attorney's office will pursue the matter, they have way too much else to deal with.

Willis has approached Beard two prior times asking Beard to refrain from the harassment, slander and stakling. Beard denied he was doing anything!!

[RGV Pony]

good for Kate for getting the interview we all wanted.

[mrydel]

Why was Sanders not suspended? And if curfew was a reason for suspension as stated in an earlier article, why were not all the players at the gathering suspended. If no formal charges have been filed it does seem that Willis is being singled out. All accounts indicate that Sanders punched a few times also. I do not want anyone suspended but I do not understand the reasoning on one and not the other(s).

[Peruna2001]

A couple of things...

We finally get some confirmation that it was a player gathering. Does this mean that Beard was the one that showed up uninvited?

Like everyone has already said. Sanders was also there. And, if it was a player gathering, I would assume that other players were there too. Maybe Willis just got made an example of because he's the team's leader and because they couldn't suspend the entire team?

I would also assume that talking to the press was an idea of Orsini and/or Bennett. They probably realized that it was good to get both sides of the story out there. While Justin's dad doesn't need the permission of the coaches to talk to the press, I would assume that Justin does.

Okay...that was three things.

[J.T.supporta]

So has it really been confirmed that it was a Player gathering and not beards gathering???

[jtstang]

Why was Sanders not suspended? And if curfew was a reason for suspension as stated in an earlier article, why were not all the players at the gathering suspended.

This is a good question. Anybody know why?

[SMU Football Blog]

So has it really been confirmed that it was a Player gathering and not beards gathering???

A large number of football players that live off campus live in the same apartment complex. I believe the incident happened at that complex, which leads me to believe it was likely a football players "event."

[FloridaMustang]

This article made me very happy. As long as Justin stays, there is a future to be hopeful for.