Trouble in East Lansing

According to The Michigan Messenger two Michigan State University basketball players are in trouble, accused of sexual assault. The incident occurred in August, and the two players involved are described as "high-profile."

The MSU police department recommended the men be charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct 1, but Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III has declined to prosecute the case.

For more information about the case, you can read the entire article by Todd A. Heyward of The Michigan Messenger here http://michiganmessenger.com/42253/msu-sexual-assault

In the article, Heyward writes,

"Michigan Messenger is not naming the players because they have not been arrested or charged with a crime. The names have been confirmed by law enforcement and other sources, as well as Dunnings, who released the police report after Messenger filed a Freedom of Information Act request citing the names of the accused. Messenger does not report the names of sexual assault victims without their consent."

While I definitely agree the victim's name should be withheld, the names of the two players being accused in this case need to be released. We're talking about a group of 12-14 young men. Two of the players have been accused of committing a crime. The other members of the team are NOT INVOLVED. It's ridiculous to withhold the names of the two men who are involved. Speculation around East Lansing, and around the MSU campus (and around the country once the national media picks up the story - some already have) will run wild. While I don't think any member of the media would speculate publicly, many people will begin to formulate their opinions, thus resulting in rumors. If you were a Michigan State basketball player, how would you feel? Two of your teammates have been accused of a sick, disgusting crime, and everyone knows about it. But until the names are released someone may think it was you, because the Michigan Messenger is sitting on that information. Withholding the names of the two men accused in this incident is irresponsible, and unfair to the MSU players that are not involved.