As I sat in my den this past Easter weekend, I flipped through the channels on my television in search of something that would grab my attention but came up empty-handed again and again. Finally, I stumbled upon a particularly interesting choice: ESPN’s 30 for 30 on the Duke lacrosse scandal.
I watched the entire production, and I highly recommend doing so. I finished watching with a sense of shock gripping me and found that I couldn’t really bring myself to discuss the case with any of my peers without losing my train of thought while scrambling for the right thing to say.
The case, which was previewed by an athletic suspension that occurred 10 years ago to this day (March 28), did not seem as jam-packed with controversy to my 12-year-old self as it appears today.
The main issues of this case divided between two distinct lines: culture and race. I am a white male, and I grew up in a middle class family with two parents who were heavily involved in the game of lacrosse.
I played from the time I was four years old, on my first team “The Purple Powershooters,” until my freshman year of college.
Throughout this time, I have become acquainted with hundreds of lacrosse players, and all of my closest friends have played the sport in some capacity.
I only use this information to frame my credibility in describing the majority of lacrosse players I’ve met as hard-working, tough and good people who have developed a humble disposition resulting from time spent on the battlefield.
Lacrosse has always acted as a metaphor for battle in my own life. While the game literally mimics battle through the use of “armor” (padding) and “weaponry” (sticks), it also represents an internal battle against the trials and tribulations of life.
Every person I’ve met who plays lacrosse for an extended period of time has a reverence for the game: a reverence produced in a tight-knit community and ever-expanding demographic of those who play the game.
When you step onto the field, all worries and concerns melt away and can even be harnessed to enhance one’s play. The game of lacrosse has a sort of mysticism about it, an aura that demands respect and appreciation. The sport has created an unintentional image of arrogance and elitism in its development, but I can say wholeheartedly that while you will find some people who fit that mold as in any sport, the game teaches most people the virtues of humility and strength of character.
I really enjoy symbolism. As in life, there are a lot of assumptions and prejudices that go into sports. Although a lot of the time we assume these things are directed toward minorities, all people can feel the sting of prejudice.
The Duke Lacrosse Scandal revolved around an African-American dancer alleging that three members of the Duke lacrosse team sexually assaulted her. Although there was no substantial evidence put forth, the district attorney of Durham, N.C. named Mike Nifong took a vested interest in putting these potential criminals behind bars. Nifong went out of his way to withhold evidence that would clearly exonerate the accused, which just shows how much power the boundaries of race and culture possess.
The case soon transcended its objective structure of a woman versus three young men and soon produced a large platform for controversy.
The debate turned into white versus black and rich versus poor, which influenced a quickly growing opposition against the lacrosse players and produced an obfuscating sympathy for the victim.
A large portion of the general public relished the opportunity to see three wealthy white males serve time in prison, although the three players were innocent throughout.
Sports can exacerbate prejudices and frame people in a way that may not represent their character in the slightest, which proves that athletic competition does not limit itself to the field of play, but rather to all walks of life.
