Duke Lacrosse

Memorial Day Weekend is one of the best weekends of the year. It is finally hot outside, people flock to the beach and yes, the NCAA lacrosse championships are on TV. The country's fastest growing sport has more people in attendance every year. It is great to see the growing fan base and rosters that have players outside DC, Maryland, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, even if its just a few.

Normally, I am stoked to see the intense competition, the rivalries, the upsets, and the special stories heard throughout the weekend about the remarkable people that are playing the game. This year was different because one story dominated the highlights: the Duke rape case. Now over a year after the incident, Reade Seligmann and Conner Finnerty still show up in our living rooms, first as the bad guys and now as victims.

I understand that these young men experienced something that no one should have to go through, but to be hailed as role models of courage and perseverance? This should hardly be the case. The activity that went on that night was embarrassing, classless, and not at all representative of NCAA student athletes or their universities. There is no way these kids should have been put through such ordeal, but to laud them as stand up people is ridiculous.

I personally blame Duke University for allowing such behavior to occur. After multiple complaints and turning of heads from the administration, it was only a matter of time before something occurred. Duke should not allow athletes to live off campus. Boston College for example, requires all scholarship athletes to live in on-campus dormitories.

It does not matter who is at fault. The point is, I do not want to hear about it anymore. I along with many people I know could care less about the spoiled brats from Duke any longer. Just show me some lacrosse and the amazing stories of those who have persevered all their lives to get to the game's final stage.

Go Cornell!