[Husker] Christianson found not guilty

[Mike Jaixen]

My takeaway is that Christensen was not found "innocent"...but rather "not guilty".  The evidence wasn't there to support incarceration for potentially 30 years.  I don't think the same standard applies to the privilege of playing football for the University of Nebraska.

As Andy points out, Christensen's focus the last six months has been defending himself on these charges.  He hasn't been working out with the team and hasn't been participating in practices.  So I question just how much Christensen could contribute to the team this season, even if Bo Pelini reinstates him today.

That being said, KFAB's Sean Callahan reported this morning that Christensen received a medical redshirt for last season, so he could be eligible to play next season as well.

I don't know what the right answer is in this situation.  I don't believe that the "not guilty" plea means he should be reinstated today, as there were other charges he plead guilty to.  I'd almost lean towards making the suspension for the entire season, and give him the opportunity to earn his way back onto the team in the spring.

Mike Jaixen
http://huskermike.blogspot.com
http://www.cornnation.com


--- On Wed, 9/3/08, Steve Reichenbach <reich at inetnebr.com> wrote:

> From: Steve Reichenbach <reich at inetnebr.com>
> Subject: RE: [Husker] Christianson found not guilty
> To: andy at knipp.com, husker at tssi.com
> Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2008, 9:45 AM
> On the other hand, you didn't mention that all reports
> indicate
> he was intoxicated, dumped two drinks on the woman's
> head, refused
> to leave the bar when asked, assaulted the manager when
> asked to
> leave (who declined to press charges), refused to obey
> police,
> resisted arrest, kicked the side of a police car, and pled
> guilty
> to resisting arrest and criminal mischief.  But hey,
> there's not
> enough proof for a conviction that he perpetrated a sexual
> assault
> because no one saw him do it.  From all that happened, it
> doesn't
> seem much of a stretch to use the word "likely"
> even if that isn't
> the standard used in the judicial system.  I think Andy got
> it
> right the first time.
> 
> I hope that he gets straight, and by accounts this may not
> have
> been his typical behavior, but I also hope he never again
> plays
> for Nebraska.
> 
> 
> > And it was pointed out that me stating AC LIKELY did
> the crime also has no
> > basis. Something happened. He may have been involved.