Last month, Packers cornerback Brandon Underwood found himself on the wrong side of sexual assault allegations. Within days, it became apparent that Underwood ultimately would not be charged, due to factors such as: (1) the women who made the claim had changed their story dramatically; (2) Underwood actually paid them, possibly to sand his floor, paint his fence, or wax his car.
Still, Underwood has yet to be cleared, according to Paul Srubas of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
The article contains no fresh insight from the authorities, who generally have clammed up. And it fails to point out the reality that, even if Underwood is cleared of sexual assault allegations, he still faces a potential charge of soliciting prostitution.
It’s also possible that charges are being contemplated against the women, for possible crimes such as lying to authorities, prostitution, and/or theft. (One of the early reports indicated that one of the women stole money from Underwood while the other one was sanding his floor, painting his fence, and/or waxing his car.)
So, under the circumstances, the delay isn’t unusual. Indeed, more than a month passed before the prosecutor in Georgia announced on April 12 a decision not to pursue charges against Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Underwood’s case is more complicated, especially since there’s a chance that, in the end, multiple people could be charged with something other than sexual assault.