Bonnie Bernstein Explains Ray Lewis’s Crimes With An Unfortunate Parable

[SlyPokerDog]

Somewhere along the line, we as a nation apparently chose to forgive/forget the fact that Ray Lewis was involved in a murder at a Super Bowl party in 2000. That Lewis and his friends got into a fight with another group, and two people in that other group were stabbed to death. That Lewis lied to cops the next morning, and hid or destroyed his bloodstained white suit. That Lewis pleaded down from murder charges in exchange for testifying against his friends, and later reached out-of-court monetary settlements with the families of the victims.

That's fine. This is America, and Lewis has paid his debt to society (one year of probation). We forgive a lot of things. We want Tiger Woods to be great again. Even after the "unpleasantness" in Colorado, Kobe Bryant is as loved (read: respected and feared) as ever. And Ray Lewis, his slate wiped clean by a Hall of Fame career, is moving on to a second act as an august member of the football fraternity, joining ESPN as an analyst on Monday Night Countdown.

Media folks love Lewis because he's friendly, open, and a fantastic quote. He'll be great on TV for the same reasons. But shouldn't we at least mention the other stuff? Bonnie Bernstein offers a preemptive defense for Lewis's past, which might not be necessary because ESPN and the NFL seem happy to ignore the incident, even when discussing his "legacy." Lewis doesn't need his new ESPN colleagues standing up for him, and he surely doesn't need it in the form of a supremely flawed parable.

Bernstein, on her Facebook page:

True story: One day (long... long ago) during my middle school years, I snuck into the forest with my friends. Some of my classmates were going through this experimental phase with cigarettes. I hung out, but never took a single puff. No desire. Never one to succumb to peer pressure.

My parents weren't around when I got home, so I quickly threw my clothes in the wash. I was worried they'd make assumptions if they smelled the smoke that had permeated my jeans and jacket.

When Mom got back, I told her I was just hangin out with my friends after school. In the unlikely event she inquired about anyone smoking, I would have lied. Wasn't throwing my friends under the bus.

Was I guilty of smoking because I washed my clothes?

Had I lied, did that mean I was lighting up, too?

I don't believe Ray Lewis was a complete saint the day of the double stabbing for which he was initially charged (and yes, I'm well aware murder is a lot worse than smoking, thank you). He ditched his bloody suit, which was never recovered, and was initially dishonest with investigators. That's clearly obstruction of justice, for which he plead guilty.
[...]
With Lewis' pending retirement, all these questions are understandably resurfacing. The conundrum among many of my journalistic brethren: determining how we, personally, feel about Ray Lewis. On one hand, he was unquestionably with the wrong crew at the wrong time that night in Atlanta; on the other, he's had an incredibly positive impact on so many on the field and off it through his tireless charitable endeavors. I don't give a crap about how good of a linebacker he is. That doesn't sway my judgement one iota.

So, as you ponder Ray Lewis' legacy, ask yourself...

Was I guilty of smoking because I washed my clothes?
​

Stop snitching, Monmouth County style. It's not the first time Bernstein has reached for an unfortunate analogy. A few years back, she likened high school basketball players going straight to the pros to Palestinian children wanting to become suicide bombers, which makes this Ray Lewis argument look like the Organon by comparison.


http://deadspin.com/5972799/bonnie-...tunate-parable-about-middle-schoolers-smoking

 

[MARIS61]

I don't know anyone who gives a rat's ass about any of those three losers. They are all despicable failures as human beings.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

I don't see how Bonnie Bernstein said anything wrong about Ray Lewis or about the suicide bombers.

 

[oldmangrouch]

How long must this self-righteous twaddle go on?

The DA hit Lewis with a bogus murder charge to coerce his testimony against the defendants. The jury saw right through the ploy and acquited.

And yes - the opinion of the jury (who actually heard the evidence) trumps the opinion of some hack writer on the internet.

 

[Jayps15]

How long must this self-righteous twaddle go on?

The DA hit Lewis with a bogus murder charge to coerce his testimony against the defendants. The jury saw right through the ploy and acquited.

And yes - the opinion of the jury (who actually heard the evidence) trumps the opinion of some hack writer on the internet.

Except he was never acquitted, he was offered a deal to plead to a lesser charge in exchange for his testimony and the murder charge was dismissed.

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

Except he was never acquitted, he was offered a deal to plead to a lesser charge in exchange for his testimony and the murder charge was dismissed.

This. OMG's post is simply incorrect. Quit speading lies/inaccuracies!

 

[SlyPokerDog]

I thought Bernstein's smoking example was just ridiculous.

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

It is ridiculous, Sly. So dumb, I figured a response wasn't necessary.

Even if i chose to use her analogy.... I could easily change her story to include her as one of the smokers. That little tweak would change the story a whole lot. The way she chose to paint the picture, she made a concerted effort to defend Ray or paint as relatively innocent. If it wasn't intentional, she should consider the consequences of the inferences she makes.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

He was never aquitted. He pleaded out. The case:

http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/47958/remembering-the-ray-lewis-controversy

May 25, 2000 — Day 3 of the trial is highlighted by spotty testimony from the prosecution’s star witness. His story includes inconsistencies, lapses in memory, and admission of hearing loss. Duane Fassett, the driver of Lewis’s rented limo, previously told investigators he saw Lewis, Sweeting, and Oakley fighting with the two victims, and overheard Sweeting and Oakley saying they'd stabbed the two men. He claimed he also heard Lewis tell them to lie to the police. In his testimony, Fassett says he saw Lewis raise his arm but not actually see him hit anyone and that he heard Lewis telling his friends to stop fighting and to get into the vehicle. Fassett confesses that he liked Lewis, and according to AP reporters present, he seems “pained when forced to admit that after the brawl, Lewis told everyone in the limousine to ‘just keep your mouth shut and don't say nothing.’”

and:

June 5, 2000 — Lewis agrees to a plea bargain — his murder and aggravated assault charges are dropped in exchange for his testimony against Sweeting and Oakley. As part of the deal, he also pleads guilty to obstruction of justice (for telling people in his limo to keep quiet) and receives a year of probation.

June 6, 2000 — Lewis takes the stand and testifies against Oakley and Sweeting. A full transcript of that day’s court proceedings can be found here.

June 13, 2000 — Facing a life sentence, Joseph Sweeting and Reginald Oakley are acquitted of murder and assault charges after the jury deliberated for less than five hours.

August 17, 2000 — NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue fines Lewis $250,000 for obstructing the police investigation. That amount is believed to be the largest fine for an NFL player in cases not involving substance abuse. Tagliabue adds that Lewis will be fined another $250,000 and subject to suspension if he violates his probation.

2003 — Gladys Robinson, Baker’s grandmother, sues Lewis for $10 million. She and Lewis reach an undisclosed settlement.

2004 — The family of Kellye Smith, Richard Lollar's then-fiancé who was pregnant at the time, sues Lewis (on behalf of her and Lollar’s daughter) for $13 million. They also reach a settlement, which includes a confidentiality clause.

 

[oldmangrouch]

Except he was never acquitted, he was offered a deal to plead to a lesser charge in exchange for his testimony and the murder charge was dismissed.

This. OMG's post is simply incorrect. Quit speading lies/inaccuracies!

BULLSHIT! The 2 men accused of the murder were acquitted, despite Lewis' coerced testimony. That is FACT.

Try Google before you insult people.

 

[oldmangrouch]

He was never aquitted. He pleaded out. The case:

http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/47958/remembering-the-ray-lewis-controversy

May 25, 2000 — Day 3 of the trial is highlighted by spotty testimony from the prosecution’s star witness. His story includes inconsistencies, lapses in memory, and admission of hearing loss. Duane Fassett, the driver of Lewis’s rented limo, previously told investigators he saw Lewis, Sweeting, and Oakley fighting with the two victims, and overheard Sweeting and Oakley saying they'd stabbed the two men. He claimed he also heard Lewis tell them to lie to the police. In his testimony, Fassett says he saw Lewis raise his arm but not actually see him hit anyone and that he heard Lewis telling his friends to stop fighting and to get into the vehicle. Fassett confesses that he liked Lewis, and according to AP reporters present, he seems “pained when forced to admit that after the brawl, Lewis told everyone in the limousine to ‘just keep your mouth shut and don't say nothing.’”

and:

June 5, 2000 — Lewis agrees to a plea bargain — his murder and aggravated assault charges are dropped in exchange for his testimony against Sweeting and Oakley. As part of the deal, he also pleads guilty to obstruction of justice (for telling people in his limo to keep quiet) and receives a year of probation.

June 6, 2000 — Lewis takes the stand and testifies against Oakley and Sweeting. A full transcript of that day’s court proceedings can be found here.

June 13, 2000 — Facing a life sentence, Joseph Sweeting and Reginald Oakley are acquitted of murder and assault charges after the jury deliberated for less than five hours.

August 17, 2000 — NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue fines Lewis $250,000 for obstructing the police investigation. That amount is believed to be the largest fine for an NFL player in cases not involving substance abuse. Tagliabue adds that Lewis will be fined another $250,000 and subject to suspension if he violates his probation.

2003 — Gladys Robinson, Baker’s grandmother, sues Lewis for $10 million. She and Lewis reach an undisclosed settlement.

2004 — The family of Kellye Smith, Richard Lollar's then-fiancé who was pregnant at the time, sues Lewis (on behalf of her and Lollar’s daughter) for $13 million. They also reach a settlement, which includes a confidentiality clause.

Read your own quote. June 13th 2000 - both defendants acquitted.

Reading comprehension.....what a concept.

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

BULLSHIT! The 2 men accused of the murder were acquitted, despite Lewis' coerced testimony. That is FACT.

Try Google before you insult people.

Try googling insult. If that's an insult.....

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

My reading comprehension may have been off in your opinion, because the way you typed up your post was poorly worded. But I was merely referring to your defense of Lewis.

But that makes no difference to your, "BS - he got off" argument. He was there. The other two defendants were there. Just because the DA botched it doesn't mean he's innocent. I suppose you think OJ is innocent, too?

Lewis got off because he was the big name, the lovable athlete. If he did nothing wrong, why did he tell people to lie? Why did he pay up big bucks and have them agree to confidentiality agreements?

Ray Lewis - great football player. But also likely a very questionable/suspect person.

 

[3RA1N1AC]

so they didnt stab the guys to death?

im pretty sure they did actually

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

Exactly. Just because they got off, doesn't make them innocent.

Or does it?

 

[oldmangrouch]

Try googling insult. If that's an insult.....

You accused me of being a liar....you don't find that insulting?

Yes, Lewis and the other 2 guys were there.....so were many other people.

The jury actually heard the evidence - something neither of us can say. Why do you leap to the conclusion they were wrong?

 

[oldmangrouch]

so they didnt stab the guys to death?

im pretty sure they did actually

Really? Even though the jury heard the evidence and you didn't.

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

You're leaping to the conclusion they were innocent - that's why it's all lies. But I didn't call you a liar - I merely said lies. Try not taking a message board so seriously.

If you read through the evidence, the court transcripts, the various testimonies, it's very certain Ray and his crew were a part of something very deviant. Why did Ray dispose of his suit? Why did he tell people to not say anything, or if they did, to fabricate their stories?

 

[porkchopexpress]

Really? Even though the jury heard the evidence and you didn't.

When did the jury ever decide Lewis' innocence/guilt?

 

[3RA1N1AC]

You accused me of being a liar....you don't find that insulting?

Yes, Lewis and the other 2 guys were there.....so were many other people.

The jury actually heard the evidence - something neither of us can say. Why do you leap to the conclusion they were wrong?

do you "leap to the conclusion" that the oj jury was wrong? casey anthony? countless others?

jury trials are 100% effective in finding truth?

 

[magnifier661]

When did the jury ever decide Lewis' innocence/guilt?

The DA did; since they felt they really didn't have a case to throw the book on Lewis. If there was insurmountable evidence that Lewis was involved or guilty of murder; they wouldn't have plea'd bargained him.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

I'm confused, did Ray Lewis smoke cigarettes or not?

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

Casey Anthony and OJ Simpson. Two examples of people getting away with crimes based on technicalities in how a jury must rule.

Ryan Braun. Richard Sherman. People get off on technicalities all of the time.

If someone sued me and I were innocent, I wouldn't stand for that - I'd defend myself to every last breath. Especially when someone is accusing me of murder. And then I'd counter-sue. Ray Ray knew the evidence was absolutely not in his favor. So he settled and got a confidentiality agreement.

 

[magnifier661]

do you "leap to the conclusion" that the oj jury was wrong? casey anthony? countless others?

jury trials are 100% effective in finding truth?

Yes jury's can be mislead; but a DA is pretty heady. They would know if they have a good enough case to put Lewis on trial. If a DA thinks they have a good case; they will not plea; even if that person may testify.

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

The DA did; since they felt they really didn't have a case to throw the book on Lewis. If there was insurmountable evidence that Lewis was involved or guilty of murder; they wouldn't have plea'd bargained him.

Simply because people were being uncooperative. Something Lewis told the witnesses to do.

 

[magnifier661]

Casey Anthony and OJ Simpson. Two examples of people getting away with crimes based on technicalities in how a jury must rule.

Ryan Braun. Richard Sherman. People get off on technicalities all of the time.

If someone sued me and I were innocent, I wouldn't stand for that - I'd defend myself to every last breath. Especially when someone is accusing me of murder. And then I'd counter-sue. Ray Ray knew the evidence was absolutely not in his favor. So he settled and got a confidentiality agreement.

You aren't in his position. Even our company has paid people; even though we were innocent. You don't have any idea the cost of a trial like this. The settlement amount maybe way less than the actual lawsuit. Sometimes you settle just to keep someone from talking and saving money on attorney fees.

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

Yes jury's can be mislead; but a DA is pretty heady. They would know if they have a good enough case to put Lewis on trial. If a DA thinks they have a good case; they will not plea; even if that person may testify.

Tell that to Kaylee Anthony.

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

You aren't in his position. Even our company has paid people; even though we were innocent. You don't have any idea the cost of a trial like this. The settlement amount maybe way less than the actual lawsuit. Sometimes you settle just to keep someone from talking and saving money on attorney fees.

I get that part of it for businesses. Lot more gray area in some of that.

Ray knew the evidence was not in his favor.

 

[magnifier661]

Simply because people were being uncooperative. Something Lewis told the witnesses to do.

Oh come on man. The DA have been having these issues on cases that are slam dunks; yet they swing for the fences. If the DA had the evidence to convict Lewis; then they would never have plea'd out.

 

[3RA1N1AC]

Yes jury's can be mislead; but a DA is pretty heady. They would know if they have a good enough case to put Lewis on trial. If a DA thinks they have a good case; they will not plea; even if that person may testify.

i dont think anyone thinks lewis actually did the stabbing