Another allegation of sexual assault has surfaced in the NFL. Indianapolis Colts DT Eric Foster is the latest player to have such an accusation leveled against him. Here at the details per ProFootballTalk:
A student at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis claims that she was sexually assaulted by Foster on the morning of the AFC Championship Game in January, at the University Place Hotel. Though Marion County prosecutor Carl Brizzi decided in February not to pursue criminal charges, the alleged victim’s lawyer claims that the IUPUI police department mishandled the case.
The alleged victim contends that, while working at the hotel where the Colts were staying, she was directed to take a dental kit to Foster’s room. When she arrived, he allegedly asked her to look at his bathroom sink, which he said wasn’t working. Her lawyer claims that Foster “then proceeded to forcibly engage in deviant sexual acts.” The alleged victim contends that she escaped the room and immediately reported the incident to hotel security.
Things got interesting — and troubling — after the alleged victim also reported the matter to IUPUI police. The alleged victim says she soon was required to submit to a four-hour lie-detector test, and her lawyer claims that she has been “stonewalled” by campus police and hotel security.
What is going on? Are these cats that sold on the idea that they’re above the law? This isn’t getting drunk and getting into a fight at a bar, which is a problem in its own right, but something far more serious. If she’s not cool with taking it there with you, you can’t just run an audible and hope to catch her off-guard; this isn’t a game where being penalized will set you back five or ten yards. A night alone is never worse than forcing sex or sexual acts on an unwilling partner. Roger Goodell has got to be less than pleased with the news that has been coming across his desk as of late, and with his iron-fisted reputation and penchant to hand out numbers like he’s got a surplus on 4’s, he may escalate his methods of deterrence to try and put this to a stop.
This is also another case where a criminal investigation may have been hampered by those who are in place to uphold the law. If this young lady was indeed stonewalled, it only further enforces the long-held Golden Rule; he who holds the gold, makes the rules. Since when does protecting the interests of a professional football team/player override the right to protect EVERYONE? This young lady was due the same rights and protections, if not moreso than Foster has allegedly received. What will it take for this culture to change?
