Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy continues to be the subject of an investigation related to the beating of off-duty police officers in Philadelphia. The investigation opened nearly two full weeks ago, at which time it was suggested charges against McCoy could be delivered in a short period of time.
It turns out the definition of “imminent” may have been open to interpretation, as no charges have been filed against McCoy as of today. The apparent delay in the process has allowed the situation to linger longer than most would probably prefer, but Philadelphia district attorney Seth Williams is making sure everything is following procedure for the best and most accurate outcome according to the law.
Williams released a statement today confirming the investigation continues to be ongoing. he also stressed the importance of not rushing to judgement, something that is all too often the case in the public eye these days, especially when video surfaces form the incident in question. Williams says he understands why some are concerned about the length of the investigation, but he shows no signs of being concerned about the process as it stands right now.
Statement from the Philadelphia District Attorney's office on the investigation involving Bills RB LeSean McCoy pic.twitter.com/xEh5KxXASE
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 19, 2016
Williams has been criticized in the public for the time it is taking to conduct the investigation against the former Philadelphia Eagles running back. Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police President John McNesby has left no doubt he thinks Williams is complicating this process more than he needs, via ESPN.
“I think that he’s overthinking this,” McNesby said of District Attorney Seth Williams. “I think they’re overlooking it. I think they’re investigating too much. They need to just move on with it. If he does not charge the group of individuals that were there that night, that’s an absolute disrespect to Philadelphia police officers.”
“We’ll look to go to the attorney general,” McNesby added, if charges are not filed. “We’ll also have our attorneys file a private criminal complaint, and we’ll move in that direction.”
One reason for a delay in the investigation is attempting to determine the conduct of the off-duty officers on the night of the nightclub fight. Was McCoy antagonized and lured into a fight by the off-duty cops? Or was McCoy and his friends the reason for the incident. Semantics, maybe, but this information is important to gather to a full picture of the event can be put into perspective for analysis from a legal standpoint. This does not let anyone off the hook for their involvement, but who instigated the incident is certainly a key variable in the equation trying to be solved.
The same basic rule in media can translate to legal investigations as well. It is always better to take longer to be right about your information rather than rush to a conclusion before feeling you have enough evidence to support your case. The longer the investigation drags on, the thinking of some is McCoy will avoid being charged for his involvement in the fracas. That, of course, leads to the friction between Philadelphia police and the district attorney.
[ESPN]
