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Champion's Parents Placing Blame Wrongly

Staff Writer

Published: Saturday, January 21, 2012

Updated: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 00:01

RThompson

Staff Writer Roscoe Thompson

When news broke that the parents of Florida A&M band member Robert Champion intended to sue the university for the death of their son, I enthusiastically cheered them on hoping that justice would be restored and closure would be brought to his family.

It was later found out that due to state law, the Champions won't be able to file a lawsuit against FAMU for another several months because of preliminary procedures set up to protect public entities.

Throughout the ordeal, I have supported Champion's parents, but their latest tactic has caused me to question their intent and sadly their overall consciousness

Last week, the Champions announced they would be suing the company that owns the bus in which the hazing incident took place. The parents believe the bus company's negligence contributed to his death.

According to reports, following the Florida Classic on Nov. 19, band members were able to get back on the bus to perform the hazing rituals after they had returned to an Orlando hotel.

Champion, 26, died as a result of being beaten during a hazing ritual, according to the Orange County Medical Examiner.

My initial reaction to the bus company lawsuit was that the Champions must be joking. What else would make them want to sue a company that had nothing to do with his death? Are they trying to cash in?

Ray Land, the owner of the Fabulous Coach Lines, said in a statement his employees did everything to get help once they were notified there was a problem.

I believe that since the parents won't be able to reach a monetary settlement from FAMU until a much later date, they are insanely placing the blame on as many entities as possible.

Since the Champions are hell-bent on seeking "justice" for their son, why not sue the makers of the instruments that were used to beat Robert or how about they just sue the entire city of Orlando because it was its negligence that resulted in his death. Surely it's everyone else's fault that he's dead and not the vicious monsters that actually killed him.

I know losing a child is one of the hardest ordeals a parent could face, especially when there is a cloud of suspicion regarding his death. But the Champions need to put blame where it belongs and not try to involve others who had nothing to with it. 

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6 comments

Anonymous
Fri Mar 9 2012 16:55
I think this editorial has alot of truth, the loss of anyone is devasting but please blame the adults who took it upon themselves to break the law. All this suing just lines pockets, and please don't cash in now. How many tuition payments did they make all this time he was struggling to pay his way through school. I want answers to that.
Anonymous
Tue Jan 24 2012 10:17
Roscoe Thompson, go sit in timeout. Like I always say, there's a difference in being real and not knowing what the h*ll to say and obviously YOU, Mr Thompson, DON'T KNOW WHAT THE H*LL TO SAY. You made some valid points but after that 5th paragraph of yours, you started babbling and babbling about such a controversial issue makes you sound very ignorant. Can you empathize with losing a child AND having justice somewhat delayed? Do you know how his parents are possibly feeling right now?

....Yall this n*gga said "sue the fast-food restaurants that caused the imbalance of chemicals to set off a reaction to kill" LOL are you kidding? Do you get it Roscoe because it seems like you don't.

-Jillian Thoams

Anonymous
Tue Jan 24 2012 08:55
hide ya kids, hide ya wife cause they suing everybody!
Anonymous
Mon Jan 23 2012 12:42
Finally some truth
Linda Cage
Mon Jan 23 2012 08:29
I thought the same thing when I heard about the new lawsuit and they said they do not plan on stopping at the bus company. They feel the hotel should of had a night guard also. I can't understand, even as a parent, how heartbreaking it must be to lose a child. BUT a slew of unjust lawsuits won't bring him back. As an adult, 26, Robert played a part (as outlined by Florida law) a part in his death. Why are they not calling for those who we KNOW were involved to be locked up. Sue their families... They orginally said that the lawsuit against FAMU was to "end hazing," but what does a lawsuit against the bus company and hotel do?
Anonymous
Mon Jan 23 2012 07:23
This editorial is just mean.






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