In the Court of Public Opinion a sexual crime is viewed as the ultimate crime. The accused are guilty until proven innocent, judgments are swift and the sentences can be long and unforgiving.
It’s the most unfair court. Rumor can be used as evidence. Facts aren’t necessary. Opinion is a form of testimony.
Double Jeopardy doesn’t exist and parole, is just a word.
The judgment is often made long before the actual courts come to a conclusion – or even begin. The sentence hangs around long after, too.
The order of events in the Court of Public Opinion is quite often similar in every case: It starts with an accusation followed by an investigation. Then a change in public perception and more accusations. Then a lost job. Then an arrest. Then a conviction.
The last two can be interchangeable.
Sometimes, the real trial hasn’t even begun.
In the end, it’s almost worse than murder. If you are acquitted or found not guilty for murder, people will eventually forgive and forget. Where even name association with “sexual abuse” caries a stigma forever.
And it doesn’t matter who you are. Whether you are a famous pop star, a college coach or someone who works a regular 9-to-5 job – you will receive roughly the same sentence.
Syracuse assistant coach Bernie Fine is no different. Regardless of the outcome of this investigation and this trial, he has already been found guilty in the eyes of most people.
And the chain of events has already begun. Fine has already been accused, already been investigated. The public’s perception of him has changed. Now he lost his job.
Syracuse Chancellor, Nancy Cantor released this statement:
“Tonight, in the wake of troubling new allegations that emerged in the media today, I am writing to let you know that Bernie Fine’s employment at the University has been terminated effective immediately.”
And to use a cliché metaphor, all of the rats started deserting the nest. And as the biggest one – in the Court’s eyes – left, he may have just presented some of the most solid “testimony” to the “Court.”
Syracuse Head Coach Jim Boeheim released his own statement late Sunday night after his assistant was terminated, it read:
“The allegations that have come forth today are disturbing and deeply troubling. I am personally very shocked because I have never witnessed any of the activities that have been alleged. I believe the university took the appropriate step tonight. What is most important is that this matter be fully investigated and that anyone with information be supported to come forward so that the truth can be found. I deeply regret any statements I made that might have inhibited that from occurring or been insensitive to victims of abuse.”
That’s about as damning as it comes. No doubt it won’t be long before Fine is convicted in the Court of Public Opinion.
And it won’t matter the outcome of the actual trial, where actual evidence is presented and actual testimony is given.
To this “Court” that trial is irrelevant.
Of course, in this case – both public and actual – the evidence, both real and rumor, seem to be mounting. While Fine can continue to avoid the public’s court, the real court will be looking for him soon.
And when the real trial does begin, and facts leak out that eventually turn to rumor to be used as evidence in the Court of Public Opinion, look for Fine to be sentenced. Again.
Without any chance for parole.
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