Tillman charged with sexual assault

[#1 Lions Fan in SK]

Just listened to the press conference. Tillman is effectively on administrative leave for the time being. Although he was charged on the 27th, he did not notify Hopson (or the club) that he had been officially charged until TODAY! That seems wierd to me. Apparently the club was aware of the investigation as early as September. Once again, my sympathies to the 16 year old and to the fans and Rider organization.

[Lions4ever]

Let's hold on to our horses here. These days "sexual assault" is a very broad term which could cover anything that might be considered offensive touching. When we hear this term many people may immediately conjure up the image of a guy holding down a girl and raping her. But it might also refer to an inadvertent brushing up against a breast with an elbow in a crowded space, so who knows? Let's wait for a full allegation of the facts before we start impugning Red or expressing sympathy for a victim. How do we know that the information which led to the charges aren't a tissue of lies? We don't.

[Rammer]

Just listened to the press conference. Tillman is effectively on administrative leave for the time being. Although he was charged on the 27th, he did not notify Hopson (or the club) that he had been officially charged until TODAY! That seems wierd to me. Apparently the club was aware of the investigation as early as September. Once again, my sympathies to the 16 year old and to the fans and Rider organization.

http://www.leaderpost.com/news/Statemen ... story.html

Doesn't matter if he is proven innocent now, his image has been tarnished and his life altered. If he is guilty he has noone else to blame but himself and of course we all feel for the young girl that was involved in this incident.

Bottom line is that this is negative CFL news story that will impact the league adversely, Riders franchise even moreso. I would have never expected news like this, but we never do.

[Wakesbetterthanyou]

I dont have anything to say. .....

[notahomer]

More 'news' that makes me appreciate the Crew we have working for the BC Lions. Top notch. I can remember some frustrating things about GM's/Coaches in the past but I feel spoiled.

I almost don't want to know how this story plays out.

[Area51]

Wow, what a diddler.

[CatsEyes]

Wow, what a diddler.

Gee THAT's appropriate.

[No Ordinary Joe]

I truly don't even know what to say. Wow.

[ziggy]

Sad day for the CFL.

[Sir Purrcival]

Wow, what a diddler.

That pretty much sums up your post. Hope you feel a bit of remorse for making it now.

[Coast Mountain Lion]

Let's hold on to our horses here. These days "sexual assault" is a very broad term which could cover anything that might be considered offensive touching. When we hear this term many people may immediately conjure up the image of a guy holding down a girl and raping her. But it might also refer to an inadvertent brushing up against a breast with an elbow in a crowded space, so who knows? Let's wait for a full allegation of the facts before we start impugning Red or expressing sympathy for a victim. How do we know that the information which led to the charges aren't a tissue of lies? We don't.

It doesn't look good for Tillman, but remember a guy named Doug Gilmour? It's not quite the same situation since the "case" against him was someone's personal vendetta and IIRC it was just a civil suit and not criminal charges, but there is still presumption of innocence, even for weasels. Tillman will have his day in court.

[nelson95]

Given the Riders majestic standing in Regina and the length of time between accusation and charge I believe Mr Tillmann is in deep *poop* indeed.

Shame on him

[B.C.FAN]

Let's hold on to our horses here. These days "sexual assault" is a very broad term which could cover anything that might be considered offensive touching. When we hear this term many people may immediately conjure up the image of a guy holding down a girl and raping her. But it might also refer to an inadvertent brushing up against a breast with an elbow in a crowded space, so who knows? Let's wait for a full allegation of the facts before we start impugning Red or expressing sympathy for a victim. How do we know that the information which led to the charges aren't a tissue of lies? We don't.

Globe and Mail story

Though neither Tillman nor Hopson would go into much detail, a source close to Tillman said the GM told police the incident occurred while Tillman was taking painkillers for a back ailment.

According to the source, Tillman was sent home before he was to attend a Roughriders board meeting on Aug. 6, the same day the encounter with the 16-year-old occurred, which led to the charge.

The charge stems from alleged inappropriate touching from behind, according to the source, who added the family of the girl had asked Regina police to drop charges.

[TheLionKing]

Wow, what a diddler.

You already convicted him ?

[WestCoastJoe]

Globe and Mail story

The charge stems from alleged inappropriate touching from behind, according to the source, who added the family of the girl had asked Regina police to drop charges.

These details change the picture somewhat.

At the very least ... "touching from behind" ... that could mean patting on the butt, which of course is inappropriate. It is inappropriate even though former PM John Turner, from a vastly different age, patted politician Iona Campagnola on the butt in public, no doubt thinking it was what cool guys from the fraternity did all the time in the old days.

It is inappropriate even though it was common behaviour in old movies. I was just watching an old movie, The Americanization of Emily, starring James Garner and Julie Andrews. Garner's character, an officer in WWII, surrounded by available women, says hello by patting them on the butt. Different age. Different behaviour. Inappropriate even then, but probably not illegal.

If that is what Tillman did, it is stupid, and tragic.

It is interesting that the family wanted the police to drop the charges. Is it because they love the Riders team? Is it because it seems like a harsh punishment for that type of offense?

There is the presumption of innocence. If Tillman did something inappropriate, this new information seems to indicate it might have been of the nature of patting on the butt, rather than behaviour that would be even more abhorrent. This is all speculation on my part, of course. We will see how the case develops. It is a tragedy already, no matter what the facts and outcome will prove to be.

It sounds like Tillman is not denying something happened.

Guys have to keep their hands to themselves. Landmines everywhere. Don't bump into boobs that are in the way as you check mail boxes and bulletin boards in the crowded offce, and don't let boobs bump into your arm. And, under no circumstance pat that butt. One of these days, a football coach is going to get charged for patting the butt of a player (if it has not already happened). It is crazy out there nowadays.