INNOCENT: A Conversation with Susan Pressler

"... these three individuals [David Evans, Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann,] are innocent of these charges."

North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper, Apr. 11, 2007
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One of writer Joan Collins' many contributions to the fight for justice for David Evans, Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann has been her Profiles in Courage series.

Joan's series has given us a deeper appreciation and respect for some of those most victimized by Nifong's frame-up, media distortions and the indiffernece of so many at Duke to the mistreatment - very possibly criminal mistreatment - of its students.

Joan's latest profile it titled: "A Conversation with Susan Pressler.

Excerpts:

For some time now, several Duke Lacrosse mothers have spoken to me about Susan Pressler, wife of former Duke Lacrosse Coach, Mike Pressler.

They described a woman who not only has supported her husband and children through difficult and painful times, but has continued to be an inspiration to them and their sons. Some of the words used to describe her were “amazing, “a rock”, and “the wind beneath Mike Pressler’s wings”.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Susan Pressler.

Joan's profile provides a lot of detail about what life was like for the Pressler's after Mangum made her false witness and Duke President Dick Brodhead started acting like - well, Dick Brodhead.

Much of what we learn is inspiring; but some of it is painful. For example:

After receiving threats and out of fear for their children’s safety, they sent their eldest daughter to live with friends in another city, while their youngest was sent out of state with family for a time.

What a price the Pressler's and their children have paid and will continue to pay for other people's self-rightousness, racism and rush-to-judgment!

All that Susan Pressler and her family have been through has tightened the bonds that exist between her family and the players - those on the 2006 team and those on the 15 previous Duke teams Mike Pressler coached.

About Evans, Finnerty and Seligmann, Susan Pressler said:

“I am so proud of these three young men and how they handled themselves in the face of the most unbelievable adversity. As the ones picked, it would ultimately be them and their families that the world would focus on.

No one would represent Duke Lacrosse with more class and dignity. After their innocence was announced to the world, they spoke at a press conference, their poise and presence could make every Duke alumni proud again. It showed anyone willing to see, that these are great kids from great families, who were falsely accused.

I urge you to read the entire profile which is here.

A "thank you" to Friends of Duke University for publishing the Susan Pressler profile as well as Joan's earlier profiles.

Nice work, Joan