Bill\’s Point of View:
Sam Carchidi staff writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer reported in Sunday edition that Justin Breaker was the leading vote-getter as the Tri-County Conference Classic Division\’s all-star quarterback. Breaker, 19, was one of three young men accused of taking part in an April 1 gang rape of a Salem County girl in a Pittsgrove apartment, according to the Salem County Prosecutor\’s Office. Breaker was indicted on Nov. 28, three days before he sparked Glassboro to a 24-7 win over Paulsboro in the South Jersey Group 1 final. Carchidi wrote, \”With the 6-foot, 185-pound Breaker playing a leading role, Glassboro went 12-0 this season.\”
Not only was his award withheld Mr. Breaker has also been suspended from attending classes at Glassboro High School. He will attend the Gloucester County Alternative School in Deptford until his case is resolved, said a spokeswoman from the Glassboro\’s school district.
Mr. Breaker was trying out for the Glassboro basketball team but now that he is suspended he can no longer attend practices.
I am curious if others like me are sitting on the sidelines and wondering whatever happened to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. We all know how slow the courts system works, it could take months or a year before the case even reaches the Halls of Justice. Don\’t get me wrong; rape is a serious charge and I am not making light of that fact. There is a 15- year- old -girl who says she was raped. And she accuses Mr. Breaker as one of the suspects who allegedly committed the crime.
Incidentally does anyone know if the names or the photos of the other suspects have been made public?
But note the word allegedly. Roget\’s Super Thesaurus defines the word allege to make an assertion, particularly without proof. It has been alleged that Justin Breaker raped the 15-year-old. Until he is proven guilty in a court of law shouldn\’t we wait for the outcome before handing down the punishment? From what has happen so far to Mr. Breaker it appears to me that he has already been found guilty by the Glassboro School Board and the Tri-County Conference members.
Do you agree with what has happen so far to Mr. Breaker is fair? Or do you believe that until his case is heard in a Court of Law he should be given the presumption of innocence? Before you answer; how would you feel if this was your son or grandson that was being treated this way. On the other side of the argument place your daughter or granddaughter in the victim\’s shoes.
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