First, I am glad the school and the police dept did the right thing and that it was handled properly and quickly. Apparently UM differentiates between recruiting violations and violent crimes.
Second, I am surprised, make that shocked, the athletes admitted it Were there photos or witnesses? Obviously, the school did not provide a legal snake like fsu did for rapeis and friends.
Third, as much as I commend the school for doing the right thing with this crime, and am relieved that they did, it is also true that-
1. These were not their stars.
2. The the school is well aware of the current ongoing the federal Title IX drive to address the mishandling of sexual assault involving athletes on college campuses. It would be foolish right now to overlook it when the feds are hunting for bear.
3. Also, due to the not so distant botched NCAA investigation, that exposed recruiting violations, they especially do not need to be caught in a cover up or lack of institutional control. ( and are they on probation?- I can't remember- it was such a slap on wrist)
Fourth, Besides protecting the school, it is an incredible PR opportunity which Shalala quickly grasped. The contrast between UM's handling of this, and refsu's is not lost on NCAA, Titles IX investigators, parents, or the public in general, and generates some very positive publicity for the school. It further shames fsu and reflects well on the rest of the ACC by generalization. Wonder if other ACC members will comment on how they support this swift action.
Although it doesn't undo the injustice done to rapeis's victim, I take some pleasure in knowing UM's positive publicity reflects badly on refsu.