A Show of Unity

Once again here we are talking Lacrosse here at Walker-Sports. This time it’s the Duke Women’s Lacrosse team making the headlines in Durham. Duke’s women’s lacrosse team has had a storybook season amid all the extra curricular distractions on campus this spring, and they have made their way to the NCAA Final Four beginning on Friday. While this was an expected outcome for a team that was stacked with talent, the women’s team will show their support and solidarity to their male counterparts by wearing wristbands with the word “innocent” written on them.

While most of the news coming out of Durham in the wake of recent accusations has been anything but surprising, this bit of information is intriguing enough to raise the eyebrows of most readers. First off the fact that women’s team has stepped forward to show such staunch support becomes a point of interest.

When the accusations of rape first emerged in Durham at the very least the trail became a gender based issue. It was gender based before race, politics or class issues moved to the forefront. Rape is one of the most heinous crimes known to man. There is no quicker way to gain the attention of female activist and support groups than when rape allegations are brought forth. At the bare minimum women have typically bonded together to support one another via a common bond.

The unity shown by Duke’s lacrosse team becomes a point of interest. They have abandoned the bonds of sisterhood rather to reinforce the bonds between classmates, teammates, and brethren of sport. Making the teams protest an even bolder statement.

In another interesting turn of events, is the silence coming from the administration at Duke University. When this whole case fist broke back in March the administration at Duke was quick to make decisions and reactions to gain control over their athletic program and teams. They suspended the men’s team before any charges were pressed and well before a grand jury was connived. The university pressured Coach Mike Pressler into retirement. For over a month now the school has held a strong line, supporting the law, and allowing the authorities to do their business, while keeping the university out of the way.

Now at what could be a crucial moment for Duke University the administration is remaining silent. When the women’s lacrosse team takes the field on Friday, they will be wearing a Duke University uniform. No mater what they may claim that team will be representing their school in a public setting. If every player on that team comes forth and is wearing a wristband that says ‘innocent’, then the wristbands become a part of the Duke uniform and the impression to the general public becomes the ‘innocent’ stance is the official stance of the university.

Sometimes silence can be worth 1000 words.

Watch as the investigation moves into a trial and see how the university changes its stance.

Finally do not get me wrong. I am glad the women’s lacrosse team is sticking together with their brethren. As a member of a sporting fraternity that is often misunderstood, and having been through my own scrutiny as a result, I understand the need to stick together. The side of me that believes in social protest appreciates the fact that these women are using their public platform as an opportunity to state their case. It is good to see that in this modern age when sports marketing and entertainment is more important than the individuals. We live in a P.C. age where players are unwilling to take a stand for anything more than making more money. As a result of that it is good to see there is still a social pulse in sports. I don’t agree with what these ladies are standing up for, but at least they are making an effort.