OK, former Navy QB and still Midshipman Owens was aquitted of rape charges today.
His accuser did get him convicted on Conduct Unbecoming an Officer charges and violation of a lawful order.
The problem to me is that the Conduct Unbecoming charge was based on a rule at the Naval Academy that says Midshipmen may not engage in any sexual activity on the academy grounds. Its a good thing I wasn't on the Court Marshal because I would have convicted them both for what is alleged at Bancroft Hall.
On top of that, both were accussed of hanging out in bars all night. Both knew about the rules concerning drinking, sex and partying, yet they were out on the town most of the night, then whatever happened, it led to a trial that has smeared the Navy, the Academy, and the Military with a sex and alcohol scandal that will be dragged out every time a Middie does anything wrong for the next 20 years.
Add the fact that Owens was the former QB of the Navy Football team. As my NU folks know, Div I athletes are suppossed to hold themselves to a higher standard. Owens didn't.
A retired Navy CPO, I was a big critic of some of the shenanigans perpetrated by members of the Air Force Academy on a field in Chicago a few years ago. I thought that those cadets should have to play by a higher set of rules than the rest of the Div I players, and the attempt by the AF Academy to blame the man they attacked on the field was just wrong.
In this case, I question Owen's ability to lead a division on a ship AND the ability of the woman who brought the charges to also serve as an Officer in the greatest Navy in the world.
Its one thing to go out and party, its another thing to blatantly violate the rules and expect that you'll never get caught, regardless of whether you're an star athlete, or just a simple seaman recruit.
Even after all the "sexual harasment training," and honor code sessions, I wonder if anyone still remembers common decency. Owens has given Navy Football a black eye, his accuser has raised a big question about how the Navy chooses their Middies.
I guess Ms. Coulter is right - the feds are now a bastion of a new religion and away with all the old traditions.
