I am a first-time poster and an admitted Griz fan. Like so many others, I have been consumed by the Jordan Johnson trial, though I've never spoken publicly about it. I simply didn't know if the accusations were true and I believe I have kept an open mind throughout. Having followed the trial closely, however, and with testimony now wrapped up, I feel strongly Jordan is innocent. There are simply too many things that don't add up in the prosecution's case, and frankly much of their witness testimony seemed riddled with problems. Could Jordan have handled things better on the night of the alleged incident? Absolutely. He, himself, said as much. But who among us would not go back and do certain things we did when we were 19 or 20 years old differently if only we had the opportunity? With the furor over sexual assaults in Missoula, I believe Jordan was the victim of circumstance. And yes, some of that was of his own doing. But I do not, in any way, believe he is a rapist.
I'm sure these final hours of the trial are the most stressful of what has been an incredibly stressful year for Jordan and his family. I have no idea of whether they will see this or not, but I want them to know I am sending prayers their way. I hope that in some small way that brings them comfort.
Let me be clear in saying that rape is a horrible crime, and if I believed that Jordan were guilty, I would not hesitate to say he belonged in prison--star quarterback or not. Football is just a game, and in the big picture of life, means nothing. But I do not believe he is a rapist.
I have no idea of what Jordan's plans are if he's acquitted, or what his enrollment status will be. I do know that by all reported accounts, the "honor court" at the university last spring was anything but. A judge told us that and the revelation has left me with serious questions about the leadership at the university. I wouldn't blame Jordan if he wanted to leave town and never return. But I, for one, hope he stays--and that university officials have the good sense to allow him to. Whether as a student, or a student athlete he would have my full support--and that of many others I know. I'm sure there would be some who would want to make that difficult as possible, but Jordan has shown he has the strength and character to fight through that.
Allow me to say that Jane Doe and her family have my prayers too. Though I am confident that this was not rape, I think in her mind she may actually believe that it was. I also think that others--many with good intentions, perhaps some with their own agendas--contributed to those beliefs. I'm sure this past year was painful for her and her family too, and I hope she gets the help she needs to deal with this situation. There will be no winners in this case. Regardless of the verdict, I urge everyone to use restraint and avoid making a difficult situation worse by harrassing the woman or attempting to belittle her. Despite what I'm sure have included feelings of anger, frustration and hurt, throughout this process, Jordan and his family have conducted themselves with honor and integrity. I'm certain they'd want others to do the same. Anything less would do them a great disservice.
Finally, I would offer similar comments regarding Gwen Florio. Like others, I have what I believe are legitimate concerns about some of the Missoulian's reporting and how it may have played into this situation--and I say that as someone who holds a journalism degree from UM. But I have found some of the comments directed at her to be nothing short of repulsive. The substance of valid criticism will never be acknowledged if it's always deliverd with such vitriol. We can be better than that, Griz fans.
When all of this is over--and with any luck, that will be soon--I hope everyone takes a step back to reflect on what's transpired in the last year plus--and how we might do things differently going forward. That includes fans, media, university officials, regents and others. It's been one hell of an education, but there are still lessons to be learned.
Godspeed, Jordan.
I'm sure these final hours of the trial are the most stressful of what has been an incredibly stressful year for Jordan and his family. I have no idea of whether they will see this or not, but I want them to know I am sending prayers their way. I hope that in some small way that brings them comfort.
Let me be clear in saying that rape is a horrible crime, and if I believed that Jordan were guilty, I would not hesitate to say he belonged in prison--star quarterback or not. Football is just a game, and in the big picture of life, means nothing. But I do not believe he is a rapist.
I have no idea of what Jordan's plans are if he's acquitted, or what his enrollment status will be. I do know that by all reported accounts, the "honor court" at the university last spring was anything but. A judge told us that and the revelation has left me with serious questions about the leadership at the university. I wouldn't blame Jordan if he wanted to leave town and never return. But I, for one, hope he stays--and that university officials have the good sense to allow him to. Whether as a student, or a student athlete he would have my full support--and that of many others I know. I'm sure there would be some who would want to make that difficult as possible, but Jordan has shown he has the strength and character to fight through that.
Allow me to say that Jane Doe and her family have my prayers too. Though I am confident that this was not rape, I think in her mind she may actually believe that it was. I also think that others--many with good intentions, perhaps some with their own agendas--contributed to those beliefs. I'm sure this past year was painful for her and her family too, and I hope she gets the help she needs to deal with this situation. There will be no winners in this case. Regardless of the verdict, I urge everyone to use restraint and avoid making a difficult situation worse by harrassing the woman or attempting to belittle her. Despite what I'm sure have included feelings of anger, frustration and hurt, throughout this process, Jordan and his family have conducted themselves with honor and integrity. I'm certain they'd want others to do the same. Anything less would do them a great disservice.
Finally, I would offer similar comments regarding Gwen Florio. Like others, I have what I believe are legitimate concerns about some of the Missoulian's reporting and how it may have played into this situation--and I say that as someone who holds a journalism degree from UM. But I have found some of the comments directed at her to be nothing short of repulsive. The substance of valid criticism will never be acknowledged if it's always deliverd with such vitriol. We can be better than that, Griz fans.
When all of this is over--and with any luck, that will be soon--I hope everyone takes a step back to reflect on what's transpired in the last year plus--and how we might do things differently going forward. That includes fans, media, university officials, regents and others. It's been one hell of an education, but there are still lessons to be learned.
Godspeed, Jordan.
