ELPD named in federal lawsuit Student alleges he was mistreated by officers in 2010 statenews.com | 3/10/14 | @thesnews Michigan State University’s independent voice
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Editorial: University needs to be more transparent about federal investigation
Hockey holds own against U-M Senior forward Lee Reimer Danyelle Morrow/ The State News
i n v e s t i g at i o n
The Spartans stand and watch their seniors get honored after the game against Iowa on March 6 at Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Hawkeyes 86-76, but lost to Ohio State in a close match on Sunday.
probe into MSU’s sexual assault response linked to 2010 incident By Katie Abdilla kabdilla@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
Julia Nagy/ The State News
Highs and lows
Exciting win against Iowa fades into disappointment as Spartans fall short against Ohio State By Zach Smith zsmith@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
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OLUMBUS, Ohio — Although the Spartans dominated Iowa 86-76 in Keith Appling and Adreian Payne’s last game in East Lansing Thursday night, they couldn’t spoil the
Buckeyes’s senior day in Columbus. MSU fell to the BuckMSU 67 eyes 69-67. OSU 69 Thursday night ’s affair showed flashes of the team most thought they would see all season, with solid performances from Appling and contributions across the board. There have been questions as to offcourt distractions for the Spartans, including the potential implications of a federal investigation at the university most likely involving two unnamed basketball
players.
Reporter Matt Sheehan shares his take on a frustrating season, pg. 6 Although Thursday’s game was a celebration of seniors, the younger players managed to step up and make solid plays that night.
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Sophomore guard Denzel Valentine, sophomore guard Gary Harris and junior guard Travis Trice each scored more than 10 points to topple Iowa. Sunday’s game was a different story. On the court itself, sophomore Gary Harris couldn’t hit a buzzer beater with a second left to send the OSU game into overtime. “We did a very poor job, and that falls on me,” head coach Tom Izzo said. “We See B-BALL on page 2 u
court
Decision forthcoming in same-sex marriage trial immediate decision in the case, citing “triable issues of fact” that must be debated. THE STATE NEWS A s a result, the trial DETROIT — The trial chal- hinged almost solely on teslenging Michigan’s ban on timony from scholars who same-sex marriage conclud- studied whether children ed Friday in Detroit, and a raised in same-sex housewritten judgement is expect- holds fare as well as children raised by heterosexued sometime next week. For April DeBoer and Jayne al couples. Assistant state attorney Rowse, the Hazel Park parents of three who brought the suit, Kristin Heyse said the plaintiffs “attempted to make their desire is simple. this case about something “ E v e r y on e r e c o git ’s not,” and that nizes t hat marFriedman should riage means rule based upon family, and “the social that’s what Children’s well science and we want,” data.” DeBoer being in same-sex The said after majority of the trial. households made research Howon the topever, up most of the ic has found t he a rg utestimony that there is ments about no d i f fe re nce whether bet ween house they should be holds, and the plainafforded the opportiffs used experts to reintunity are anything but. For the plaintiffs, it’s an force what attorney Kenissue of equality. They said neth Mogill called “a strong the ban violates the U.S. Con- consensus” amongst social stitution’s provision for equal scientists. The plaintiffs also had protection and due process under the law. It’s an argu- experts testify that marment echoed in courtrooms riage is an evolving instithroughout the U.S., and one tution and public opinion that’s rendered state bans on on same-sex relations is same-sex marriage unconsti- changing. State attorneys produced tutional in states such as Vira series of experts who ginia and Utah. But unlike other states, the argued that either there challenge in Michigan went to is no valid consensus on trial. In October, Judge Ber- the issue or that children nard Friedman denied requests from both sides to make an See TRIAL on page 2 u By Simon Schuster
sschuster@statenews.com nn
Julia Nagy/The State News
Brandon Childers tucks MSU graduate and his fiancé Stacy Blakeslee’s hair behind her ear March 5 at Spectrum Rehab and Nursing Center in Grand Rapids. Childers spends most days with Blakeslee in the hospital. He said he can tell she’s more calm when he’s around.
Stacy Blakeslee begins road to recovery with therapy sessions By Casey Holland cholland@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
MSU alumna Stacy Blakeslee starts every day with a morning stroll — being pushed in a wheelchair through the halls of Spectrum Health System. This is the beginning of the day’s therapy sessions. Five days a week, Stacy undergoes two half-hour sessions of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. These sessions include various stretches to help loosen
SPORTS, PAGE 6
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her muscles and small speech commands to make her mouth strong enough to eventually eat and talk.
Blakeslee currently is undergoing therapy sessions after being diagnosed with a severe staph infection in 2013 “It seems like a lot — we wish it was a lot more but know some day it will be (more),” said Stacy’s sister Kelly Blakeslee.
In December 2013, the 22-year-old was diagnosed with a severe staph infection that spread throughout her body, leaving aneurysms on her brain. The bursting of one of the aneurysms on Christmas Eve led to a stroke and sent Stacy into a semiresponsive state. She spent almost two months lying in bed in the University of Michigan Health System hospiSee BLAKESLEE on page 2 u
The federal investigation into MSU’s handling of sexual assault cases could be directly linked to an alleged assault involving two basketball players that occurred in August of 2010 in Wonders Hall. University spokesman Jason Cody told The State News that a Title IX complaint regarding an alleged assault in Wonders Hall in August 2010 resulted in an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights into how the university responds to sexual assault reports. Cody said the complaint was filed some time after MSU police concluded their investigation of the 2010 incident. The nature of the complaint matches the description of an incident that allegedly involved two basketball players. University officials did not confirm whether this is the particular incident in question. At the time of the incident, Ingham Count y Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III did not move forward with charges against the players. He previously said statements from both sides did not align and, after review from several other prosecutors, determined no crime was committed. T he players in question were never named in previous reports. “MSU police, as they do with all cases, investigated thoroughly and as a result moved forward to the prosecutor with criminal proceedings,” Cody told The State News. According to the initial police report, the two suspects allegedly cornered the victim in a dorm room, making her feel as though she could not escape. The two then turned off the lights and allegedly took turns sexually assaulting her. The victim initially told police that the two held her arms down and pinned her to the ground. When she managed to free one of her arms, she said she struck one of the suspects across the face. She told police he continued to assault her, saying, “Don’t. Just relax.” The report states one of the suspects told police he knew the victim was reluctant and stopped what he was doing. One of the suspects reportedly apologized to the victim because “it seemed she felt they ‘disrespected’ her.” Both suspects told police they apologized to the victim before they left the room. Fol l o w i n g t h e a l l e g e d assault, MSU police responded by searching the room where the victim told police the assault took place. In the report of the search, the detective noted that one of the suspects was “smirking” when the search warrant was read to him. According to a previous State News report, the number of reported on-campus sexual assaults has spiked since 2010. The number of reported incidents increased between 2011 and 2012 from 15 to 20 total, a university report indicated. Last month, Office of Civil Rights officials hosted forums on MSU’s campus to give students the opportunity to speak freely about on-campus sexual assault. Representatives met with several student groups, including male and female athletes, fraternities and sororities and members of MSU’s Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention program.
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Retired professor honored for saving lives with invention Retired MSU professor Robert Hubbard has been inducted into the Sports Car Club of America Hall of Fame for developing a safety device credited with saving the lives of numerous race car drivers. Hubbard and his brother-inlaw, Jim Downing ,developed the Head and Neck Support device in the mid-1980s after a friend died of a skull fracture. Hubbard and Downing saw racers being killed because their torsos were restrained in accidents but their heads were not. This caused basilar skull fractures, which was the most common cause of driver deaths. With a research background in skull bone strength, head injury and crash dummy development, Hubbard conceived of the HANS device, which restrains the helmet and head relative to the shoulders and effectively reduces the head motions and neck tensions that injure racers. Since 1990, more than 200,000 of Hubbard’s devices have been put to use in race cars. “It’s extremely gratifying to know that something I’ve worked on for almost 20 years has become truly beneficial,� Hubbard said in a statement. Hubbard was inducted into the Kansas City-based hall of fame on Saturday. Olivia Dimmer
Three-day forecast
Monday Cloudy High: 46° Low: 31°
blakeslee
Several groups are raising funds for Stacy, and a benefit concert is set for March 28 in Snyder Phillips Hall from page one
Julia Nagy/The State News
Senior guard Keith Appling dribbles March 6 at Breslin Center during the game against Iowa. The Spartans defeated the Hawkeyes, 86-76, but lost a close game to Ohio State Sunday.
b-ball
Payne, Appling and other team members excelled against Iowa, but succumbed to several turnovers against Ohio State from page one
were tired. There’s no doubt Payne and Appling played too many minutes because I didn’t have anybody else, because they were all in foul trouble.� In the last two matches against Ohio State, Payne scored 18 and 16 points, and he continued his strong play with 23 against them this time around. At the Spartans’ own senior day against Iowa, Payne was the team’s second-leading scorer at 14 points. But during the Ohio State game, the Spartans committed 16 turnovers for the third straight game, and have committed double-digit turnovers in their last six. The Spartans are 4-2 in that stretch. “They played some good defense,� Payne said. “I had five turnovers, and being a
“We had some guys that couldn’t guard, and my guys that could guard were on the bench.� Tom Izzo, Men’s basketball head coach
senior, you can’t do that. They did a good job in the post, and I didn’t recognize it and make good decisions from it. I’ve got to look at film and get better.� The entire game was a backand-forth battle, with both teams going on scoring runs to trade the lead. The game was tied on 12 separate occasions. The Spartans went on a 9-0 run midway through the first half, but the Buckeyes stormed back with a 7-0 run that saw MSU turn the ball over on three straight possessions. “We’ve got to value each possession,� Appling said. “They scored off of some of our turnovers, and that’s the difference in the game. We’ve got to get back to the drawing board.� It was another run by Ohio State, this time 7-1, at the start of the second half that pushed the lead to five points. Harris scored his first six points of the game with back-to-back threes to turn a five-point Ohio
State lead into a one-point Spartan lead. MSU didn’t score for the final four-and-a half minutes, and between the two teams, only one field goal was made over that period. “For the most part, we hung in there,� Izzo said. “We had a five point lead, and Adreian was so tired he couldn’t get out on people. That’s not his fault. We had some guys that couldn’t guard, and my guys that could guard were on the bench.� Next up for MSU is the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis, where they’ll take on either Northwestern or Iowa on Friday. The Spartans were 4-0 against the Hawkeyes and Wildcats this season, and Appling said there’s still enough time to turn things around. “Especially with the (practice) time we’ll be a able to get in,� Appling said. “Hopefully we’ll get more in sync as we approach the Big Ten Tournament and see how it goes from there.�
tal in Ann Arbor. She was kept on a ventilator as her brain healed, with at least one member of her family constantly sitting at her bedside. She was moved to a nursing home and neurology rehab center about a month ago as the first steps of recovery from her condition, Kelly said. The family has a divide and conquer method for taking care of Stacy. Stacy’s fiance, Brandon Childers, has taken another month off work to stay in the center with Stacy. Her dad, Dale Blakeslee, is there Friday, Saturday and Sunday while her mother, Patricia Blakeslee, is there Saturday and Sunday.
Family members say Stacy’s progress is encouraging, but there’s no way to tell how quickly she’ll be able to recover Childers’ parents also stop by every Sunday. Kelly stops in every other week and said everyone still is staying positive. “Progress is good so far,� Patricia said. “We just need to work on being patient for everything to happen. It’s going to be in Stacy’s time and in God’s time.� Stacy no longer relies on a ventilator and instead has a tracheostomy tube helping her breathe.
“There are more expressions on her face ... I think there’s a full Stacy smile on the horizon.� Patricia Blakeslee, Stacy Blakeslee’s mother
Right now, her family is trying to keep her updated, even talking to her about the relentless snowy weather. Kelly, who started a GoFundMe website to collect donations for Stacy’s medical bills and recovery, recently created a Facebook group to document Stacy’s story. One day while checking the group, Kelly burst out saying, “250 followers — ballin’!� which caused Stacy’s eyes to pop open. “The nurse just looked at me and said, ‘Oh, she knows who you are,’� Kelly said. The next step for Stacy will be a visit back to University of Michigan Health System hospital to see a neurologist and hopefully have a piece of her skull put back into place. The piece was removed after the Dec. 24 aneurysm to relieved pressure from her brain, which means Stacy must wear a helmet whenever she is taken out of bed. A benefit concert will be held to raise funds for Stacy on March 28 in Snyder-Phillips Hall. The MSU Racing Club, who hosts a spring car show to collect donations for one specific charity every year, will be donating funds from this year’s show to Stacy. Green Spartan bracelets also are being sold at Biggby Coffee on 2546 E. Jolly Rd. for $2 apiece, and another charity meal event for Stacy will be held in April. “There are more expressions on her face — before she seemed sad or pouty, but we see a peaceful look now,� Patricia said. “I think there’s a full Stacy smile on the horizon.�
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Judge Friedman said he will issue his written opinion on the matter as soon as it’s completed sometime next week from page one
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in same-sex households fared worse. Some of t he exper ts authored papers that critiqued dozens of studies on same-sex parenting. They said the studies were deeply flawed, noting that some studies drew from small samples and many surveys were based on volunteer responses. I n Fr iday ’s c onc lud i ng argument, Mogill attempted to wrest Friedman’s focus from the litany of testimony that had preceded it and back to the crux of the plaintiff’s argumentÂÂÂÂ- that marriage is a fundamental right. “No other group in society is required to establish its parents’ competence before being entitled to the right to marry,â€? Mogill said. Mog i l l sa id t he t r ia l’s testimony was irrelevant to the core of the case. “They want to try to cast this matter as a social science exper iment,â€? Mogill said. “Life is not an experiment, it’s reality.
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“This case is about real people’s lives, real children’s lives and vulnerabilities and needs ... the question whether they are entitled to the same rights as opposite sex-families and their children goes much deeper than any social science experiment.� Free On-campus Delivery with $10 minimum order Heyse in turn said that For complete menu and hours, visit WWW.EATATSTATE.COM Michigan voters in 2004 had a rational basis for enacting the ban, which received 59 percent of the vote, and that the plaintiffs had failed to prove they did not. 10341197_UP_Sudoku_Ad.indd 1 She said the ban was instituted “not to denigrate other family structures,� but was enacted “to promote what the majority of people think is the best environment for raising children,� which she said is a Level: 1 2 3 4 heterosexual household. Heyse also asked the judge to issue a stay in the event the ban is overturned, insinuating that the state might appeal the ruling. Judge Friedman said he will issue his written opinion as soon as it is completed.
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ATHLET I C S
MSU hosts archery competition Professor recovers from fire-related injuries By Erin Gray
Grand Blanc, Mich., resident Sarah Strickland looks into the crowd of spectators before she takes her turn Mar. 1, during the National Archery Championship competition at the Demmer Shooting Sports, Education and Training Center. Archers came from all over the country to compete. The competition involved competitors shooting at a collection of four targets in a series of rounds.
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After several days of treatment, music professor Jonathan Reed was released from the hospital after suffering from severe burns. Reed is suffering from third degree burns to his face, neck and hands after his home fireplace exploded on Feb. 19. Sandra Snow, Reed’s wife, said he was released a week earlier than doctors estimated when he was initially hospitalized. “We do not yet know whether he will require surgery on his left hand, but if so, that surgery would be down the line,” Snow said. After waiting for his ventless fireplace unit to cool,
By Geoff Preston gpreston@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS
statenews. com To read about the competition, visit statenews. com.
court
i-96 shooter sentenced to 18-44 years in livingston THE STATE NEWS nn
Convicted I-96 shooter and alumnus Raulie Casteel will serve 16-40 years for terrorism and 2.5-4 years for felony a s s au lt , a Livingston Count y Circuit Cour t judge r uled last week. On March 3, Casteel was sentenced on Casteel charges of domestic terrorism, assault with a dangerous weapon, firing a weapon from a vehicle, carrying a weapon with unlawful intent and three additional felony weapons charges. In October of 2012, the 44-year-old shot at several vehicles traveling along the I-96 corridor across four counties, including Ingham, Livingston, Oakland and Shiawassee counties. He was sentenced for other felony charges in Oakland County last month. Casteel testified during his trial in Livingston Count y that he believed the cars carried government officials who were following him and conspiring against him. After an independent courtordered evaluation, Casteel was found to suffer from delu-
sional disorder. At the sentencing, Assistant Attorney General Gregory Townsend said Casteel’s actions were intentional. He said Casteel showed intent by keeping his firearm nearby, carried additional ammunition and was aware of law enforcement response. He said Casteel deserves the “harshest punishment” and asked Judge David Reader to consider the maximum-allowable sentence. But defense attorney Douglas Mullkoff asked Reader to consider a lighter sentence because of Casteel’s mental state during the time of the shootings, which he believed underpinned his actions.
In October of 2012, alumnus Raulie Casteel shot at motorists along the I-96 corridor across several counties Mullkoff said the domestic terrorism charge was a “misapplication of a vague law,” arguing that Casteel’s actions and intentions were dissimilar from those of other convicted terrorists. But Reader said Casteel disrupted daily routines and traumatized victims, regardless of his motive. Reader also argued that although delusions might
have prompted the spree, Casteel acted rationally during and after the shootings. M S U a lu m n a J e n n i f e r Kupiec, who helped identify the car Casteel shot at her from, was present for the sentencing. “If he were ever released again, I would definitely be concerned,” Kupiec said.
The MSU vs. Notre Dame football game in 2010 was memorable for many Spartans, but for 38-year-old MSU student Justin Socha the day holds a darker memory. Socha is suing East Lansing police for allegedly coercing him and his friend into committing a crime and later arresting him. According to court documents, Socha and his friend left the house of another friend at about 4 a.m. following the game. Officers Anthony Fuller and Jeffrey Thomas allegedly demanded that the two contact one of the owners of the house, whom officers wanted to evict. One officer, who was unidentified in court documents, allegedly said “these guys are going to be sorry. I hate these guys.” Eventually the officers ordered the two to sweep glass from the street into a nearby parking lot. The officers told the two they would go to jail if they did not complete the task, threatening to arrest the
Trauma Intensive Care Unit at the University of Michigan. Snow said Reed is still continuing treatments and is improving every day. She said he can now walk for short amounts of time. The doctors still do not know if skin grafts will be required. Former and current students have reached out to Reed and his family. “The level of love and support is really overwhelming. It is a blessing in a way,” Snow said. “To understand the impact he has on these students is just breathtaking.”
Crossword
Capt. Jeff Murphy said both officers implicated in the case are still employed by the department. He declined to comment further on the incident. Racine Michelle Miller, Socha’s lawyer, said she does not believe the officers will lose their jobs. “The majority of my practice involves suing police officers, and the first thing I tell my clients is they will not lose their jobs,” she said. “What I hope comes of this is the officers become better trained in constitutional law.” East Lansing City Attorney Thomas Yeadon declined to comment. A settlement conference is scheduled for March 27.
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new transpor tation system along the Grand River and Michigan Avenue corridor is on the communit y discussion board in March and April. The potential bus system would run down the Michigan Avenue and Grand River Avenue corridor and replace the Route 1 bus for Capital Area Transit Authority, or CATA. Unlike the current CATA vehicles, the rapid transit system would use large multi-cab buses, which are often seen in large cities such as Chicago and New York City.
two on charges of prowling and trespassing. Socha and his friend were eventually allowed to leave until his friend noticed he was missing money from his pocket. The two returned to the scene, where Socha was arrested for disorderly and public urination. He was found not guilty of the charges in 2011. The lawsuit is not the only recent case involving East Lansing police. The department settled an unnecessary force complaint from May 2013 for $35,000. East Lansing police has reopened their investigation of the case. East Lansing police
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— Sara Konkel, The State News
Reed poured a new bottle of ethanol into the reservoir. He heard a sizzling sound and fire traveled up from the unit to the bottle, causing an ethanol explosion in his hands. He was smothered in fuel and fire. “It looked like a big fireball targeted at him, taking the path of the pouring bottle to his hands,” Snow said. “What we didn’t know, didn’t have the first idea, is that ... (these fireplaces) have had a history of significant safety concerns,” Snow said. Reed was rushed to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing and was then transferred to the Burn and
Student sues police for alleged coercion nn
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Sandra Snow, Jonathan Reed’s wife
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By Michael Kransz
“It looked like a big fireball targeted at him, taking the path of the pouring bottle to his hands.”
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1 “Famous Potatoes” state 6 Speak drunkenly 10 Addition word 14 “__ what?”: “What next?” 15 Adhesive strip 16 Shopper’s memory aid 17 Porky’s girlfriend 19 Impressionist 20 Very __ yours 21 Utter mess 22 Tire inflater 24 Feigns sleep, say 28 Pitt of “Troy” 30 Three-note chord 31 Aboveground trains 32 Per __: for each person, as income 35 Got one’s uniform dirty, perhaps 36 Runs away from military duty 38 Israeli parliament 43 “Exodus” author Leon 45 Haughtily terse 46 “From __ Zinc”: vitamin slogan 49 Skimpy skirts 51 Cut out, as coupons 52 Either of two of the Inspector Clouseau films, with “The” 56 Cooler cubes 57 World book 58 Like a lummox
60 Lamb serving 61 Yipping adoptee 66 Pile 67 Undersized 61-Across 68 Sharp-crested ridge 69 Novelist Ferber 70 Twistable cookie 71 Leavening agent
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1 AOL, for one 2 Deer girl 3 Devices to stop tiny invading armies 4 Semiannual timechange amount 5 Admit (to) 6 Patronize, as a hotel 7 Spot for a cat, or drink like a cat 8 Wire service initials 9 Coffee order: Abbr. 10 Thinks ahead 11 Enzyme that breaks down fats 12 Handy 13 Plays the banjo, like someone “in the kitchen with Dinah” 18 Unwell 21 Wetter than wet 22 “The Alphabet Song” start 23 “Dies __”: Latin hymn 25 Mos. and mos. 26 Fancy tie fabric 27 “Growing” difficulties 29 Craps cube
33 Spades in a fourspades bridge contract, say 34 Sunlit courtyards 37 Ireland’s __ Féin 39 [error left as is] 40 Soup legume 41 Many a DeMille movie 42 Use a keyboard 44 Command to Rover 46 Tribe for which a helicopter is named 47 Gave 10 percent to the church 48 Borrowed, as a library book 50 Japanese religion 53 Phi Beta __ 54 Put a stop to 55 Settle, as a debt 59 Chaste 61 NHL player, e.g. 62 “__ Father, who art ...” 63 One in Quebec 64 Qt. halves 65 Nonetheless
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“The Oscars is a glamorous, flashy and highly anticipated awards show that sucks the average person into an alternate universe of fame and glamour, ignoring what’s going on in the real world.”
MSU should be open about Dept. of Ed. investigation editorial cartoonist
brandon hankins bhankins@statenews.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Ian Kullgren editor in chief Rebecca Ryan opinion editor Omari Sankofa II minority representative Emily Jenks reporter
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couple weeks ago, some of us might have overlooked a university email about MSU’s efforts to improve awareness of student safety, especially focusing on sexual violence. It’s easy to quickly click through what might have seemed to be a routine email about a service or event on campus. But at the bottom of the letter was a crucial detail it is important for students to recognize: the Department of Education is investigating how MSU handles sexual assault cases. In the original letter, the investigation was described as the university “collaborating” with the Department of Education. It later was announced the collaboration was in fact an investigation of the university.
Comments from university spokesperson Jason Cody confirmed the case in question took place in August 2010 in Wonders Hall. It was around this time that two MSU basketball players allegedly sexually assaulted a female student in their dorm room, although then-Ingham County prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III and his office later decided not to move forward with the case and press charges. Shortly after the Department of Education’s visit, the university sent a follow-up email to students encouraging them to contact the Office of Civil Rights at MSUinput@ed.gov if they did not have the chance to attend office hours before spring break. The email explained the OCR’s presence was meant to “assess the campus climate with respect to sexual harassment, sexual assault and sexual violence.” MSU’s brief letter to students got right to the point - students can share their experiences with the OCR. But that information could have been more clearly shared with students prior to the OCR’s visit. MSU originally was not forthcoming about the fact that U.S. Department of Education hosted Office of Civil Rights members on campus the Thursday before spring break, introducing department as “collaborating” to “give members of the campus community an opportunity to meet with OCR representatives to provide information on the effectiveness of our ongoing training and programs and on-cam-
opinion column
Spring break volunteering teaches about diverse cities
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wenty-one trips, 19 citthe crew leaders who helped us with projects on the house are dedies, one week and a world icated to helping residents return of difference. For Alternahome. Their passion and committive Spartan Breaks, this ment to getting work done was apparent throughout the week. was what was planned to give 183 Although volunteering for lowparticipants and 42 site leaders the ernine.org was the main reason chance to volunteer around the U.S. everyone was there, experiencing the New Orleans culture and MarAs a student who went on one di Gras atmosphere was something of the trips this spring break, I can I particularly enjoyed. The authenhonestly say it was one of my favortic music, delicious ite experiences I have freelancer food and celebration in had so far with MSU. the city from the variI knew I wanted ous beads and energizto do an alternative ing parades were vivaspring break somecious. Even though time in my college there is still much to career because I had do to rebuild the neighdone a similar one in borhoods, the attihigh school. Howevtudes of all the peoer, this trip was difChristine Larouere ple we met were ferent in a number of clarouere@statenews.com always positive. I ways from my precould tell residents vious experience. were proud of their city, which My group drove to New Orleans made me want to work hardand worked for a non-profit orgaer to do my part and rebuild it. nization called lowernine.org. I have to say, the other student The organization works with famparticipants on the trip are what ilies and residents of the Lower I think added to the spontaneity, Ninth Ward to rebuild their homes fun and overall experience. When from Hurricane Katrina in 2005. going to group meetings before the So far they have re-built about 70 trip, I was a bit nervous because I homes for these residents because wasn’t sure if these people would the Lower Ninth Ward neighborlike me or what it would be like hood was hit hardest from the going on a road trip with 11 stranglevee breaches due to their closeers. After working, driving, eating, ness to the Industrial Canal. living together and doing almost After driving 17 hours and arriveverything as a group, it’s hard to ing to the house where the volunbelieve that I became so close with teers were going to stay, I’m preta group of people who I had nevty sure the entire group was haver met before. Looking back on the ing culture shock. The neightrip, I believe our willingness to borhood was a bit run down and volunteer and help in any way posmost of us were unsure of whethsible was something that made it er it was a safe place to stay. Howeasy for us to become friends. Every ever, as the week progressed and person brought something fun and we talked to the people around unique to the group which made the neighborhood, we all learned everything we did an adventure. that not only was it safe, but that Yes, there were a few bumps in the residents were so grateful we the trip, but I wouldn’t have had it were there to help their neighany other way. Thank you ASB for borhoods get back to normal. making this trip possible, thank you Staining and assembling an New Orleans, and specifically the entire kitchen cabinet, demolishing residents of the Lower Ninth Ward, a wall for more space and painting for welcoming us into your lives the side of a house were just some and thank you to my new friends of the things our group worked on. who made this trip unforgettable. Not only was it rewarding knowing Christine LaRouere is a State that residents would benefit from News reporter. Reach her at our work, but it was fun. The peoclarouere@statenews.com ple who run the organization and
pus climate.” — Kary Askew, State News reporter It is disappointing MSU was not more forthcoming Read the rest online at with the investigation, especially because sexstatenews.com/blog. ual assault is such a difficult topic for people to talk about. This was a chance for the university to set an example and be open with the investigation from the beginning. Although it did acknowledge in the letter sent When pressed about what, exactly, he was referon Feb. 21 that the university has been “engaging in efforts to heighten awareness about student ring to, the coach said “Don’t screw me on that safety, with special emphasis on sexual violence,” right now.” the university failed to acknowledge the real reaIzzo’s main concern is to protect his players and son for the feds’ visit. That is unless you think “col- focus on their game performance. Understandable. laborating” and “investigating” are synonymous, However, students and fans alike have raised which they aren’t. legitimate questions regarding the allegations Once the news of the investigation broke, the uni- against the MSU basketball players, and whether versity did acknowledge it, both through a state- the university and the justice system should have ment from MSU spokesman Kent Cassella who said done more. “MSU responded fully and appropriately to the inciIt is the university’s responsibility to monitor the dent under investigation,” and through comments behavior of all students. State News stories pubfrom MSU president Lou Anna K. Simon who said lished about the allegations have received a large MSU is under “review.” amount of comments, many of which speculate But MSU could have taken a more proactive whether or not the athletes in question have been approach to informing students of the investiga- put on a pedestal. tion. Why didn’t MSU originally address federal At the end of January, President Barack Obama efforts to improve the way sexual assault cases are established a task force at the federal level to ensure handled on campuses? MSU is not the only uni- universities prevent and further investigate sexuversity being investigated for its compliance with al assaults on campuses, which he sees as a major Title IX. In fact, the U.S. Department of Education’s problem affecting students. Obama cited statistics Office of Civil Rights has 41 pending investigations marking one and five college women being victims of universities for Title IX sexual assault and violence of sexual assault. complaints, according to the Los Angeles Times. At MSU, only approximately one in five sexual The university’s original introduction of the U.S. assaults that occur on campus even reach universiDepartment of Education sessions lacks transparen- ty officials, Shari Murgittroyd, program coordinacy in an instance when it is crucial to promote the tor for the Counseling Center’s Sexual Assault Proopportunity for MSU students to have their voic- gram, previously told the State News. es heard. Until the investigation is complete, students likely After MSU’s loss to Illinois on March 1, head coach will continue to speculate about the allegations in Tom Izzo cited dealing with distractions as a factor question. As the investigation continues, it is imporin the players’ performance on the court, though tant to recognize the focus is on how the univerhe would not further elaborate on what the dis- sity handles sexual assault cases as a whole. If we tractions were. want these crimes to stop, we need to openly and “This team has been through so much, and I’ve honestly talk about them. had a couple things happen to me this week that I Editor’s note: State News staff representative Matt don’t know, and that’s so ridiculous and I’m sick of Sheehan did not contribute to this editorial because it,” Izzo said after the game. he reports on men’s basketball.
Spring break poll results Today’s state news poll
JUST SO YOU KNOW 23%
What are your spring break plans?
41% 5% 30% 10
20
30
40
50
PERCENT
Staying in East Lansing
Do you think the university should be more forthcoming about the Department of Education’s investigation of its compliance with Title IX? To vote, visit statenews.com.
Going home Going on alternative spring break Visiting somewhere outside of Michigan Total votes: 132 as of 5 p.m. Sunday
editorial cartoonist
Michael Holloway mholloway@ statenews.com
We want to hear your thoughts. The State News welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must include your year and major, email address and telephone number. Phone numbers will not be published. Letters should be fewer than 500 words and are subject to editing.
How to reach us Questions? Contact Opinion Editor Rebecca Ryan at (517) 432-3070. By email rebecca.ryan@statenews.com; By fax (517) 432-3075; By mail Letters to the Editor, The State News, 435 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823
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Features
Features editor Anya Rath, features@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075
Rapper Bubba Sparxxx takes over The Loft on Saturday night By April Jones ajones@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
Booties were rockin’ everywhere at The Loft on Saturday night for a performance by rapper Bubba Sparxxx. Doors at the Loft opened at 8 p.m. and people slowly scattered in through the evening. By 11 p.m., the Loft was packed. By midnight, the crowd was revved up for Bubba Sparxxx, who is best known for his song “Ms. New Booty.” Bubba Sparxxx took center stage at midnight and his highenergy songs kept attendees dancing for the entirety of his performance. Lights flashed and filled the venue with red, green and blue hues.
Before the rapper took the stage, multiple openers warmed up the crowd. One of the openers, Dan Amboy, is an MSU alumnus who performed right before Bubba Sparxxx. Amboy, who goes by D-Boy on stage, performed five original rap songs as the crowd danced along. Amboy’s songs varied from typical rap beats to covers. “I’m getting experimental and I hope to inspire people to get creative,” Amboy said. After Amboy left the stage at 11:45 p.m., the crowd was ready for Bubba Sparxxx. Bubba Sparxxx opened his performance with “We Ready,” a rap hit from 2003. During his hourlong performance, he rapped his other tunes such as “Deliverance,” “Ugly,” and his new hit “Country
Folks.” The rapper saved his wellknown 2006 top hit “Ms. New Booty” for last. “Ms. New Booty” was performed twice. The first time, the rapper had the stage to himself with fans singing along. During his encore performance, he invited 10 women from the audience to dance for the title of “Ms. New Booty 2014.” After the women danced, the crowd applauded and cheered to vote for who deserved the title. The winner was awarded a hug from Bubba Sparxxx. MSU alumna Jane Robertson said she listened to Bubba Sparxxx during her college days at MSU. Robertson came with her friends and danced the night away.
Spartan spring break
4 Chicago, Illinois
“Relaxing at (the) outside hot tub (at Kalahari Resort)!” —Jaeyong Cho
“I experienced a 4D film (at Shedd Aquarium), which I could feel the rain and collision and even (the) sneeze in the movie.” —Shirley Wang
Psychology junior
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2 New York
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Elementary education junior
“I went to do some volunteering (with) cancer patients. ... I really got along with this one girl. Her name was Paola, one of the cancer patients, and she was really the highlight of my trip.” —Stephanie Tohme
MEXICO
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Go to cooley.edu to register or for other Open House dates and locations. Can’t attend? View a Webinar Schedule a Visit|Tour Attend an Info Session Visit cooley.edu ICG.0214.011.AD
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Student and area alumni Q&A panel • Informal discussion with campus deans and professors Information about academic programs, scholarships and financial aid • Optional campus tour
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Cooley Law School
Open House
“It’s called alternative spring break. We worked with (the) homeless population, some of which had HIV.” —Rebecca Brisson
3 Campeche, Mexico
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Chelsea, Cooley Student
MSU graduate student
“(I saw four) amazing Broadway plays.” —Patrick Harris
USA
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Bubba Sparxxx performs Saturday at the Loft in Lansing. Sparxxx is best known for his rap hit single, “Ms. New Booty.”
Returning students describe their break destinations
1 Sandusky, Ohio
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“He’s what I used to listen to when I was a freshman in college so I wanted to take (myself) back to those freshman college days,” Robertson said. For others, the night was a chance to gather with old friends. MSU alumna Angela Castle said when she heard Bubba Sparxxx was coming to town, she got a group of her out-oftown friends together for a light and fun night of music. “We came to jam and we had a really good time,” Castle said. “We danced our butts off.”
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Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is a 7 — Discover a way to be more efficient at home. Beautify your surroundings. It’s a lucky moment for love; you might as well pop the question. Get creative in your approach. Friends are there for you. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 7 — Talk about your dreams. Develop a particular aspect. Dress the part. Imagine yourself in the role. You can get whatever you need, although it may not show up as expected. Take small steps forward. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Today is a 7 — Increase efficiency and save money and resources. Stand up for yourself. Don’t make assumptions. Abundance can lead to overload. Listen to your partner’s concerns. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Today is a 7 — A dream shows you the way. You have what’s necessary. There’s more work than you can
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do. Prioritize urgencies, and reschedule or delegate the rest. Postpone travel and shipping for later. Watch and learn. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 7 — Put out fires and handle urgencies by delegating to experts where possible. Get a technical coach. Dispel confusion, which drains resources. Ignore detractors. Family comes first... give your partner the glamorous role. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 6 — New responsibilities cause changes at home. Creativity is required. Stay confident and patient, one step ahead of the eight ball. Allow some flexibility. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 7 — Track details, and don’t apply new work skills yet. Get the ball rolling by reminding others of the game. Reassure someone who’s concerned. Review your routine to drop time-sucks. Dress for power. Take a risk.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 6 — Work your magic on the home front. Begin a new friendship. Create something exotic. Think about all the angles before launching into action. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 7 — You see solutions for all the world’s problems. Keep to the philosophical high road. Gather and share information. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 7 — A problem develops. Friends are there for you. Some fixing up is required. The allies you depend on keep a secret. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 7 — Imagine yourself in the future, and how you’d like it to be. Ask for more and get it. Stay in rather than going out. Give in to sweet temptation, without spending much. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 7 — Dream big dreams with your friends. An abrupt change in attitude is possible; conditions are unsettled. Keep your objective in mind.
Employment
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Employment
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BILINGUAL SURVEY INTERVIEWERS NEEDED. MSU’s Survey Research Lab is hiring telephone interviewers to conduct computer-assisted interviews in Spanish and English for health and public policy studies. P/T, flexible work schedule, evening and weekend hrs. required. Paid training. $9.28/hr to start. Must be fluent in English and Spanish. To apply call 517-3535404 or come to Room 10, Berkey Hall with your resume.
GRAPHIC DESIGN jobs available at The State News! Opportunities to design for print/web advertising and media websites. Must be familiar with Adobe Creative Suite and have summer availability. Apply online at statenews.com/work. Applications are due Monday, 3/17.
TOW TRUCK driver/ service station attendant. No exp. needed, will train. Must be local. Good driving record req. Must apply in person to H&H Mobil. At the corner of Hagadorn and Haslett.
3 BED apt avail Fall ’14 walking distance to MSU. Heat, water, sewer & internet Included! Call 517-489-3083!
204 S. FAIRVIEW east side of Lansing. 4 bdrm, 2 bath, w/d, d/w, lic 4, $1160. Call 351 0765.
COLLEGEVILLE TEXTBOOK Co. is your source for used books! 321 E Grand River 517922-0013
Duplex/Rent
AVAILABLE Fall 2014
NEAR FRANDOR. 611 N. Francis. Nice 3 bdrm, new inside. $900/mo. 332-7726.
NEXT TO campus Spacious 2 bdrm, lic. for 4. Partially furnished with heat incl. Free tanning! Priced right! Avail fall ‘14. 517-489-3083. dtnmgt.com. PERFECT GRAD apartment! 15 minutes from campus in downtown Perry, 2 Bedroom, Roof deck, Laundry, Parking, $825 including utilities. mikatammy@hotmail. com
WOODMERE AVAIL Fall ‘14. 2 bdrm, across from business school, balcony, parking. On the Red Cedar. Call 517-4893113. dtnmgt.com
1, 2 or 3 People
BRAND NEW for August 2014! Luxury 4 bdrm - 2 level aprts. 2.5 baths furnished living room, parking avail, located directly across from MSU. Call 517-623-5302.
4 BDRM across from McDonald’s. Huge Livingroom with fireplace. Srpmgt.com 332.8600.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS Rental Co. needs summer help! Up to $12/ hr, May-Aug. Outdoor work, lifting req. Contact Wayne, (248) 332-4700, wayne@ bloomfieldrentals.com CHRISTIAN CAREGIVER needed to assist with household chore, cooking, cleaning, running errands, personal assistance as needed. Livein. Will have own room. Single. 30 or older. Email sharon.stokes55@gmail. com 517-512-9105 DBC AMERICA, is hiring promotional models and brand ambassadors in the East Lansing Area. Flexible schedule, $17/ hr, must be 21+ to apply. All interested applicants should contact Shari Diaz at dbcamerica21@ gmail.com or (313) 4219399.
HIRING COOKS and servers at Reno’s East Sports Bar. Apply in person, 1310 Abbot Road. S T U D E N T PAY O U T S . COM Paid survey takers needed in E.L. 100% Free. Click Surveys. S U M M E R EMPLOYMENT in Metro Detroit Area. Grosse Pointe Yacht Club is currently looking for summer help. Openings and applications available online at snagajob.com. SUMMER OF your life! Camp Wayne for GirlsChildren’s summer camp, Pocono Mtns, PA. 6/21-8/17. If you love children and want a caring, fun environment, we need counselors for sports, arts, waterfront, tennis, gymnastics, and much more. Interviews on MSU campus March 22. Select the camp that selects the best staff! Call 215-944-3069 or apply at www.campwaynegirls.com
UPSCALE COUNTRY Club seeking experienced servers, flexible shifts, starting ASAP. Call 517-655-4694 ext. 12.
)LH\[PM\S ]PLw. /\NL ILKroom.
Apts. For Rent
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$0 DEPOSIT Special! 3 BDRMS, 2 full bath, lic for 3. Walk to class. Washer + dryer. Parking included! Only 2 Left! 517-233-1121.
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1 BDRM apts lic for 2 from $325 per person. Located close to MSU, Frandor, + Downtown. Central air, d/w, heat paid, pet friendly. Avail Aug 2014. 517-4893108 129 BURCHAM. Great studios within walking distance to MSU. Heat + water incl, furnished, dishwasher + microwave, on-site parking + laundry. Call today for a tour 517-507-3682. 1410 OLD CANTON spacious 1 & 2 bdrm apts avail in August. Quiet place, perfect for grad & upper class. Free heat, water, sewer, a/c, off street parking, private lot. This is a must see! SRP Management 517332-8600.
DUPLEX CLOSE lic. for 3. d/w, a/c. $440/person. Full bsmt Call 517-3237827.
Sterling Management is hiring for a career in property management. If you are a motivated self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced work environment, we want you!
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Positions Available Include:
CALL
Leasing Consultants, Maintenance Technicians, Grounds, Seasonal Positions
517-268-8457 4 BDRM Apt - Available Fall ‘14. Completely remodeled. In unit washer + dryer. 1 block from campus. Cedar Street Apts - 517-507-0081. dtnmgt.com ABBOTT POINTE - Large 2 bdrm apts for Fall 2014! Best deal in East Lansing. Remodeled kitchens, free heat, fitness center, cats + dogs welcome. Call 507-3267. AVAILABLE NOW till May or August! Spacious pet friendly apartment on Grand River, just east of campus! Free heat + water, plenty of parking. 2 left! Call 517-2688562.
WELCOME BACK!
Apply Online at http://thesterlinggrp.myexacthire.com
If you're ready to interview, we want to meet you! Join us Thursday, March 13th: 9am to 5pm Castle Pointe Apartments 3075 Endenhall Way East Lansing, MI 48823
Reserve an interview by calling 574-247-3257. Applications must be submitted online in order to reserve a spot.
Sports spartan basketball
MAtt sheehan msheehan@statenews.com
MSU’s inconsistency maddening Watching MSU basketball has been like walking in the desert. You’re walking for a long, excruciating amount of time, and your dehydrating body aches and yearns for a drink of water. You see something that vaguely looks like a lake, and you are overwhelmed with joy. But it’s just a mirage. MSU hoops has suffered aches and pains the whole season, and players and fans are desperate for a sign of positive things to come. We all watched a great second half against Iowa, and all of the sudden, MSU looked like it was back on the map. But it was just a mirage. MSU has taken leaps and bounds towards becoming a better team than they were
two, three or six weeks ago, but Sunday’s loss to Ohio State let everyone know they can’t be anointed as a team that is “back.” This team still has some serious work before they can be a postseason title contender. The main player leading the hoopla train after Senior Night was senior guard Keith Appling. His 12 second-half points against Iowa had people thinking he was back to being a threat. It was the day Appling’s shot and confidence returned to him, finally. However, Appling’s stat line on Sunday proves that he isn’t the player he was two months ago yet — emphasis on “yet.” It’s also no question MSU struggled against OSU’s stifling defense, turning the ball over an abysmal 16 times. This isn’t anything new, as MSU has committed at least 16 turnovers in its last three games. If you watched the game, you likely found yourself screaming at the television during some of MSU’s inbound plays. It didn’t help that OSU assigned 6-foot11 center Amir Williams to cover the inbound, but it certainly didn’t help that there was a lack of communication on the floor for the Spartans. The lack of communication could be pointed to the roster uncertainty through the last
state n e ws.com | The State N ews | monday, ma rch 10, 2014 |
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sports editor Beau Hayhoe, sports@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075
couple of months, but March doesn’t listen to excuses. Perhaps the last area MSU still has to tweak before postseason play is making teams pay for their mistakes. In the last two minutes of the game, OSU shot 2-of-8 from the free throw line. The Buckeyes practically begged the Spartans to win the game. The Spartans didn’t want their handouts, as they continued to commit turnovers and didn’t score in the final 4:30 of the game. Cliché alert: Winning teams make winning plays. The Spartans had a handful of chances to crunch the Buckeyes, but just couldn’t do it. If you know anything about March Madness, it’s that your team likely will see themselves in at least one close game. Luckily for MSU, they will have the Big Ten Tournament to finetune themselves before the Big Dance, where one loss means the end of a season. And seeing the clock hit zero to end the season is no mirage. Matt Sheehan is a State News basketball reporter. Reach him at msheehan@statenews.com.
women’s basketball
#SNDailynumber
4:30
Number of minutes MSU men’s basketball went without scoring to end the game in Sunday’s loss to OSU.
Merchant blasts MSU after Big Ten tournament loss to nebraska By Omari Sankofa II osankofa@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
INDIANAPOLIS — Even without reigning Big Ten Player of the Year Jordan Hooper for stretches of the game, Nebraska didn’t need much time to build an insurmountable lead against MSU. The Spartans were eliminated from the Big Ten tournament in the semifinal round Saturday night, falling to Nebraska 86-58 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. “That could quite possibly be the worst game we’ve ever played,” head coach Suzy Merchant said after the game. “Give Nebraska a lot of credit. Their upperclassmen and leaders really showed up, set the tone early.” Hooper, who played just 23 minutes, was benched in the first half after picking up her second foul with 10:52 remaining in the first half. From there, Nebraska took off, expanding a 16-11 lead to 50-27 by halftime. Nebraska junior guard Tear’a Laudermill had 20 points and three steals, and sophomore guard Rachel Theriot had 18 points and eight assists. Nebraska freshman forward Allie Havers, who averaged just three points per game during the regular season, was a major catalyst, setting career highs in points (17), assists (3) and blocks (3) in only 19 minutes of action. “I think that we mentally had a brain lapse, I don’t know. We just weren’t defending,” senior guard Klarissa Bell said. “Laudermill had three (3-pointers), or whatever it was. When she gets hot, she gets hot and she keeps hitting shots. … Things weren’t going well for us. We couldn’t stop them from scoring.” Defensively, the Spartans were not up to par, failing to get stops possession after possession.
Betsy Agosta /The State News
Redshirt freshman guard Branndais Agee shoots while Nebraska guard Rachel Theriot guards Saturday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis during the the Big Ten Tournament.
Nebraska shot 63.3 percent in the first half and 54.2 percent for the game. MSU never got closer to within 18 during the second half. “That first half was as bad as you can get,” Merchant said. “We were awful. It didn’t matter what position. … It was bad, and you can’t dig a hole against Nebraska.” The Spartans were led in scoring by redshirt freshman Branndais Agee with 18 points. Agee was a bright spot during the tournament run for MSU.
After an unceremonious Big Ten Tournament exit, the Spartans have about a week before the NCAA tournament selection show, where they’ll await their next challenge and playing location. “We have some work (to do),” senior forward Annalise Pickrel said. “This team does really well when we work up to a game. I think we’ll have a couple hard practices this week. … “I think we just gotta get our tough grit back.”