📡 Prosecution declined on all charges facing Cam Robinson, Hootie Jones

[OldPlayer]

I think the DA is making a gracious move for two players with behind the scenes assurances from CNS. I believe the DA sees the opportunity to keep these kids in the pursuit of a college education and possible NFL dreams. I don't think the next kid, who has no job, no education, and no prospects for the NFL will be given the same opportunity. You "know" that both players and CNS have made guarantees. If those promises aren't kept, evidence will be found.

 

[Tidestalker]

Nothing says it was an improper search. Turns out there were four people in the car (other two not named). Who had possession of the weed? Who had possession of the guns? It's a simple defense that they could not prove who was in possession of any of it.

Watch Louisiana DA's stunning explanation for why he won't prosecute Cam Robinson, Hootie Jones

My response was to that tweet, big guy...

 

[Tidestalker]

I think the DA is making a gracious move for two players with behind the scenes assurances from CNS. I believe the DA sees the opportunity to keep these kids in the pursuit of a college education and possible NFL dreams. I don't think the next kid, who has no job, no education, and no prospects for the NFL will be given the same opportunity. You "know" that both players and CNS have made guarantees. If those promises aren't kept, evidence will be found.

No chance. They aren't going to explain to people why they couldn't successfully prosecute them, then come back and prosecute them down the road because they "found evidence" after the fact. That would only make the DA's office look even less competent.

 

[OldPlayer]

No chance. They aren't going to explain to people why they couldn't successfully prosecute them, then come back and prosecute them down the road because they "found evidence" after the fact. That would only make the DA's office look even less competent.

He has stated that the charges were dropped, for now. They have left it open so that they can refile.

 

[Tidestalker]

He has stated that the charges were dropped, for now. They have left it open so that they can refile.

I've clicked through a few links and haven't seen that specific reference. Have a link?

 

[OldPlayer]

My response was to that tweet, big guy...

"Improper" in quotes means he's paraphrasing or trying to describe something that wasn't said. The DA needs to protect his a$$ and is coming up with a rationale for not prosecuting. The story is that Hootie alerted the cop that he had a gun on his lap. The question is then, did Cam (the driver of the car) give permission to search the vehicle? At this point does probable cause come into play or do they wait for a warrant? The stolen gun was found under the driver's seat. Did the cop have permission, did he need it? This question, along with being able to prove whose pot it was is the justification for not prosecuting.

I'm happy they're being given a second chance, but I think the DA could easily "fix" the issues and prosecute. In most areas, the driver is responsible for what goes on inside the vehicle. The DA did the players and Alabama a favor.

 

[OldPlayer]

I've clicked through a few links and haven't seen that specific reference. Have a link?

It was in one of the early articles (which have all been updated). Since they dismissed the case (the players were not found not guilty), the DA has the ability to refile the charges if something new is found or things are cleared up. It avoids double jeopardy (can't be tried for the same charges twice).

 

[Tidestalker]

It was in one of the early articles (which have all been updated). Since they dismissed the case (the players were not found not guilty), the DA has the ability to refile the charges if something new is found or things are cleared up. It avoids double jeopardy (can't be tried for the same charges twice).

I just haven't seen anywhere the DA say he would re file under any circumstances. And the hypothesis that he would if the kids don't do community service via Nick Saban or run their sprints in time is just off. He's flat out said they cannot prosecute with the given evidence and the defense attorney is even more confident. It's a done deal OldPlayer... Roll Tide

 

[Bamabww]

Talk about a couple of lucky bastards.

Exactly what I thought. I hope we don't use up all our luck before the season gets started on stuff like this.

 

[TUSKtimes]

I'm in no hurry to say the DA was insincere or misleading on why he wouldn't prosecute. He could have worded his summation better, to say the least. Expressions like 'air conditioning' wasn't helpful and really brings out the clay travis trolls in the media.

But the bottom line, it feels like Cam and Hootie got a big break, for whatever reason. Now it's on to rehabilitation.

"Car 54, where are you," kind of rehabilitation. Then off to Scott Cochran land.

 

[OldPlayer]

I just haven't seen anywhere the DA say he would re file under any circumstances. And the hypothesis that he would if the kids don't do community service via Nick Saban or run their sprints in time is just off. He's flat out said they cannot prosecute with the given evidence and the defense attorney is even more confident. It's a done deal OldPlayer... Roll Tide

I agree that it's a done deal. But, as long as the option is there, the players know that they have to comply with all the behind the scenes negotiations. What has happened is a win-win. The players benefit and the DA saves face.

 

[18Champs]

So, according to the attorney the charges were dismissed. There's no parsing of words here. Dismissed, is dismissed.

And who is lucky here? I'd say the other two in the car.

The ruling on evidence makes sense to me. If the search wasn't legal, there is no evidence.

 

[BAMANEWSBOT]

Attorney reveals new details in Cam Robinson arrest, why case was doomed from start

"There was no justifiable grounds for prosecution under any evidence rule that exists," Guerriero said in a phone interview Monday afternoon. "It's basic 101 Law that there were no grounds for prosecution based on what happened."

"Mr. Jones is the one who called it to the police's attention because he didn't want anything to happen," Guerriero said. "'Look, I have a gun in my lap. My hands are up. I just want to show you.'"

Possessing the gun didn't violate the law, so Guerriero said were no grounds for further searches. The attorney said it wasn't clear if the car occupants gave consent to search the vehicle.

"Nothing said they did," Guerriero said.

 

[Max]

Barner Barrett Sallee speaks.

After a month of speculation, the fate of Alabama offensive lineman Cam Robinson and defensive back Laurence "Hootie" Jones has come into focus.

They're clear.

The duo was arrested in May in Monroe, Louisiana, and charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana and illegal carrying of a weapon. Robinson was also charged with felony possession of a stolen firearm.

According to KNOE, Ouachita Parish District Attorney Jerry Jones will not move forward with the charges because of insufficient evidence.

"I want to emphasize once again that the main reason I'm doing this is that I refuse to ruin the lives of two young men who have spent their adolescence and teenage years working and sweating while we were all in the air conditioning," Jones said, according to KNOE.

Wait...what?

So because Robinson and Jones—who are both from Monroe—play college football and work hard at it, they don't have to abide by laws and were somehow granted legal immunity?

Really?

This isn't a commentary on the guilt or innocence of Robinson or Jones. As Cody Worsham of Tiger Rag noted on Twitter, however, the arresting officer's report suggests sufficient evidence existed for the case to proceed.

In a park after hours? Check.

Smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle? Check.

Jones' handgun in plain sight? Check.

Reason to search the vehicle? Check.

Marijuana in plain sight? Check.

Stolen handgun found under the seat? Check.

That certainly sounds like enough evidence to move forward.

If these events happened to me on a random Monday night, do you think my case would go to trial? In Ouachita Parish, of course it would. Because I'm writing this under a cool vent that's pumping air conditioning and not hitting a tackling dummy.

That's not how the legal system is supposed to work.

Laws are laws. We are not in a position to say definitively if laws were broken. But not moving forward with a case because of who someone is—rather than what they did—is not how the legal system is supposed to work.

What's even more concerning is that this was a legal road game for Robinson and Jones, who, despite being from the area, play for Alabama—one of LSU's biggest rivals. That should put a swift end to the conspiracy theory that had representatives of the Crimson Tide putting pressure on the locals behind the scenes.

This is just another example of football's power over society.

When placed in a high-profile position with a potential case against Robinson—one of the best tackles in college football and likely an early pick in next year's NFL draft—Ouachita Parish chose football as the primary reason to give special treatment to somebody who broke the law.

That's a sad reflection of our society.

If Robinson received the stolen weapon in a way other than stealing it himself and didn't deserve the felony charge, say that. If that reduction renders the case as one that isn't worth the time of the legal system, say that. If there actually is insufficient evidence to proceed with charges or the evidence detailed in the report is inadmissible for some reason—as the attorney for the two players suggested to AL.com's Michael Casagrande—specify what the case is lacking and why.

Don't say that the "main reason" for not moving forward with the case is because Robinson and Jones are college football players.

That sets a horrible example for players who are in Ouachita Parish in the future.

I'll now return to my air-conditioned office, where I'm subject to the laws of society.

 

[94 Grad]

I don't really care if they are charged or not... the facts are still the same... two of our players were driving around with guns and pot. The later doesn't really surprise me much, but the other should have every Bama fan upset regardless of "charges" being filed or dismissed... or for that matter, regardless of being legal or illegal... it was stupid. As a gun carrying, CCL issued Southern Boy/Man... I understand and respect the right, but sometimes you have to use your brain and just not be stupid... and when you're one year away for a top 10 NFL draft pick... YOU SHOULD NEVER BE DRIVING AROUND WITH ANYONE THAT HAS A GUN OR POT.

I hope they learn from this and don't become "entitled". I don't think Saban has a tract record of allowing kids to skate free, so I'll have faith that he'll find a way to direct and educate these kids and get them on track.

 

[OldPlayer]

It's a gift. Take it and run.

I've been reading the comments on several articles and 95% are WTF. Expect this to be a footnote all season long.

 

[TerryP]

The later doesn't really surprise me much, but the other should have every Bama fan upset regardless of "charges" being filed or dismissed.

It's not against the law to carry a gun in Louisiana. Why on earth should I be upset about someone carrying a gun if it's legal?

You should never drive around with anyone who has a gun? Dude. :smh:

 

[TerryP]

It's a gift. Take it and run.

I've been reading the comments on several articles and 95% are WTF. .

They are a bunch of dumbasses then. The fact no one took the time to look at the case in detail before posting some bullshit in the comments on an article demonstrates all I need to know.

EVERY attorney I've spoken with agreed this was the right move. Attorney's practicing in Louisiana are among that group.

The mere fact there were two other people in the car—a fact conveniently left out of the arrest report—should be enough to make everyone pause for a moment and take a pessimistic view of the arrest. Suttles mentioned yesterday he'd held hours on hours of interviews with those associated with the case and the only people to mention to other two were Alabama players.

 

[RTB X Bot]

 

[planomateo]

Barner Barrett Sallee speaks.

All about page views, I follow him on twitter but rarely click his "bait".