Nifong Cries, Apologizes, But No Oscar for this Performance

Raleigh, NC (TLS). A tearful and apologetic Mike Nifong resigned from the office of Durham's District Attorney while on the witness stand, in a surprise move that took aback nearly everyone present, including the attorneys.

In one last-ditch effort to save his career, Nifong aims for the Oscar, becoming tearful and apologetic, resigning from office, and appearing remorseful. I'm afraid, though, that he would not even secure a nomination for the Oscar much less take home the prize.

Nifong's resignation is welcome but long overdue. This move should have been made months ago.

As for the apology, it did not appear that the falsely accused Duke students and their families were very impressed with the display. They watched, expressing no visible emotion, as Nifong delivered his defense, which was given in tones so low that one had to struggle to hear it.

For one thing, Nifong's 'apology' was interspersed with a continued defense of his actions, even to the point of claiming he did not lie throughout the entire process. True apologies that are heartfelt and sincere include, at the very least, an acknowledgement of the wrongdoing. Nifong's display was lacking in that one essential element.

One does not continue to defend one's actions, and even continue to claim innocence, when one is sincerely apologizing for misdeeds.

No wonder the 'apology' seemed to fall flat, especially to the students and their families.

Most observers believe that Nifong offered the semblance of an apology in a last-ditch effort to save his law license in North Carolina. His words today will hardly be sufficient to convince the N.C. Bar that he should keep his license to practice law, given that the Bar has already delivered some fairly sharply-worded assessments of Nifong's behavior in the months leading up to his trial.

In addition, with the revelations made during the trial this week to the effect that early on in the process Nifong knew that there was scant evidence to proceed with the case against the three students, he may be subject to criminal charges. If it can be established that Nifong was fairly certain the three young men were innocent, yet prosecuted them anyway, including going before the public in the press and referring to them as 'hooligans,' then a criminal act has been committed for which Nifong should be forced to face legal consequences.

And this does not even begin to address the fact that vital DNA evidence clearing the three accused of any wrongdoing was withheld by Nifong's office from the court and the defense attorneys.

Thus, it would seem that Nifong's losing his job as District Attorney should be the very least of his worries.