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Former FAMU Band Member Pleads "No Contest" in Hazing Death

There is a major new development in the case of Robert Champion, the 26-year-old Florida A&M University drum major who died in November 2011 after a vicious hazing from fellow band members. Champion was gay.

Champion's former roommate Rikki Wills  has pleaded "no contest" on the eve of his trial, reports the Orlando Sentinel.

Wills, 25, will be sentenced [on June 7]. But he will not face a jail sentence, said Assistant State Attorney Nicole Pegues.

Wills, who was set to stand trial Monday, accepted a plea offer from prosecutors who hope to use his testimony to build a stronger case against the 11 remaining defendants in the hazing scandal that led to the suspension of the iconic Florida A&M University band. [P]rosecutors dropped the manslaughter charge that Wills had faced. That charge carried a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years.

Robert Champion died from blunt force trauma after the brutal hazing , which allegedly included being kicked, punched and hit with traffic cones. Fourteen former band members pleaded "not guilty"  last month to charges of manslaughter in connection with the case. Wills becomes the fourth to have pleaded no contest to felony hazing or manslaughter.

Florida A&M University is the state's only public, historically Black university. The Tallahassee-based university was founded in 1887 "and it is the largest historically black university in the United States by enrollment," according to its Wiki.

FAMU is well-known for its Marching "100" Band—which has a long history of violent hazing incidents. The Marching 100 has been suspended since Champion's death.  The university will make a decision late this month on reinstating the band, reports Tallahassee's WCTV.

Champion's parents publicly revealed in January 2012  that their son was gay. In addition to being vocally opposed to hazing, Champion's sexuality could have been among the reasons why he was viciously beaten during the attack, according to the family's attorney. Read more at  my article for Ebony: "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell": Why Has Black Media Ignored the Sexuality of FAMU Hazing Victim Robert Champion?"

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VIDEO: Meet Openly Gay Florida HS Football Player Leo Washington

Love, love, love. NBA star Jason Collins has inspired so many people to share their own stories. One of the latest: Seventeen-year-old Leo Washington of Hollywood. Washington is the co-captain of the Hollywood Hills High School football team ... and openly gay.

The teen transferred to Hollywood Hills HS after being repeatedly bullied in Georgia, reports Miami's CBS 4. Now he is described as the"best defensive lineman" on the district champion's team.

Whether he’s in shoulder pads and a helmet, or walking the field with a Michael Kors bag on his shoulder, Leo knows who he is and has the respect and friendship of his team and classmates. "This is who I am today, athletic, smart, intelligent, nice and comfortable in my own skin," said Leo. "They have taken me in as their own brother and I will protect them from any other school that tries to come at them and disrespect them."

If anyone were to pick on him," said teammate Eli Gottlieb. "We would all have his back. If anyone were to pick on us for anything about us, he would have our back."

"[Washington] had several opportunities for football scholarships, but he said in college he’s following his other passion. He’s getting a degree in fashion."

And that's what makes this story especially interesting: Leo Washington doesn't fit the "hyper masculine" stereotype of a football player ... but he is very good at what he does, walking in his truth and "comfortable in his own skin." Werk! More in my analysis for EBONY, "Jason Collins Has “Reframed the Conversation” Around Sports, Blacks and Homophobia."

Watch the report AFTER THE JUMP ...

UPDATE: First Trial in FAMU Hazing Death to Begin Next Week

There are several new developments in the case of Robert Champion, the 26-year-old Florida A&M University drum major who died in November 2011 after a vicious hazing from fellow band members. Champion was gay.

Champion's former roommate has rejected a plea deal and "is set to become the first ex-band member to go to trial in the case," reports the Orlando Sentinel. Jury selection for the trial of former FAMU drum major Rikki Wills is scheduled to begin May 13.

[Defense attorney] Bill Hancock, who did not reveal the state's offer, and assistant state attorney Nicole Pegues estimated the trial will take at least four days to present evidence, and both predicted that publicity over the tragedy might hamper efforts to seat a jury.

Fourteen ex-band members have been charged in Champion's death, including three who have pleaded no contest to felony hazing or manslaughter. At least one of those three, Caleb Jackson, is expected to testify at Wills' trial, Pegues said.

Champion died from blunt force trauma after the brutal hazing , which allegedly included being kicked, punched and hit with traffic cones. Fourteen former band members pleaded "not guilty"  last month to charges of manslaughter in connection with the case. Thirteen defendants were initially charged with felony hazing in May 2012. The defendants face a maximum of 15 years in prison.

Meanwhile: A new band director was hired for FAMU's world famous "Marching 100" band,. The band has a long history of violent hazing incidents. The Marching 100 has been suspended since Champion's death.  The university will make a decision by May on reinstating the band, reports Tallahassee's WCTV.

In other news: Champion's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against  FAMU, the bus company and an Orlando hotel, claiming they willingly allowed illegal hazing acts over many years. Last week, a judge rejected FAMU's argument that Champion "was a voluntary 'participant' in the illegal hazing that killed him." The lawsuit will continue.

Champion's parents publicly revealed in January 2012  that their son was gay. In addition to being vocally opposed to hazing, Champion's sexuality could have been among the reasons why he was viciously beaten during the attack, according to the family's attorney. Read more at  my article for Ebony: "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell": Why Has Black Media Ignored the Sexuality of FAMU Hazing Victim Robert Champion?"

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: Chaka Khan at Florida AIDS Walk

PHOTOS: INSTAGRAM: Joelatinum and Pascalle83

Chaka Khan is 60 and fabulous. The legendary R&B singer celebrated her 60th birthday over the weekend in Miami and performed at the Florida AIDS Walk.

Dropping it like it was hot! At 60! Werk! Watch a short clip of Chaka performing "Ain't Nobody" AFTER THE JUMP ...

FAMU Postpones Search for New President After Hazing Charges

This may have flown under the radar. Florida A&M University "suspended its search for a new president [only] days before interviews were set to begin," the Orlando Sentinel reported on Friday.

The move comes after 12 former FAMU band members were charged with manslaughter in connection with the vicious hazing death of Robert Champion,  the 26-year-old Florida A&M University drum major who died in November 2011 after a vicious hazing from fellow band members. Champion was gay. As a result of the investigation, FAMU has been put on probation by an accrediting agency. 

Suspending the search has the effect of making Interim President Larry Robinson's term open-ended. [Solomon L. Badger III, chairman of the Florida A&M University board of trustees] said he acted so Robinson can concentrate on getting the college off probationary status.

FAMU was put on probation in December by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in the wake of the band hazing death of Marching 100 drum major Robert Champion in Orlando. The SACS report said that the college was failing to meet basic educational standards when it comes to finances, student safety, operational "integrity" and leadership.

Former FAMU president James Ammons was pushed out last July amid widespread criticism after Champion's death.

Florida A&M University is the state's only public, historically black university. The Tallahassee-based university was founded in 1887 "and it is the largest historically black university in the United States by enrollment," according to its Wiki.

FAMU is well-known for its Marching "100" Band—which has a long history of violent hazing incidents. Investigators learned in May 2012 that more than 100 members of the marching band were NOT registered students.

Last week, one of the co-defendants pled guilty to manslaughter and  agreed to "provide prosecutors with a detailed statement and testify truthfully in the cases of his 11 co-defendants." A second co-defendant has provided an eyewitness account of Champion's brutal death, which allegedly included being kicked, punched and hit with traffic cones.

Champion's parents publicly revealed in January 2012  that their son was gay. In addition to being vocally opposed to hazing, Champion's sexuality could have been among the reasons why he was viciously beaten during the attack, according to the family's attorney. Read more at  my article for Ebony: "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell": Why Has Black Media Ignored the Sexuality of FAMU Hazing Victim Robert Champion?"

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FAMU Hazing Death Defendant Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

There are new developments in the case of Robert Champion, the 26-year-old Florida A&M University drum major who died in November 2011 after a vicious hazing from fellow band members. Champion was gay. Twenty-four-year-old Caleb Jackson—one of the co-defendants charged with Champion's death—has plead guilty to manslaughter and will "provide prosecutors with a detailed statement and testify truthfully in the cases of his 11 co-defendants" reports the Orlando Sentinel.

According to an 89-page investigative summary of Champion's death, Orange County sheriff's detectives spoke with several band members who said they saw [Jackson] pulling on Champion or jumping on the drum major. Because Jackson had a prior battery conviction, he faces "the specter of more prison time than anyone else" charged in the case, [his attorney Chuck Hobbs] said.... Hobbs said prosecutors made no promises on sentencing..

A dozen ex-band members, including Jackson, are charged with felony hazing and manslaughter in Champion's death. Prosecutors, without explanation, beefed up the charges [on March 4], notifying defense lawyers by email. The manslaughter charge carries a possible 15-year prison sentence.

Meanwhile: A second co-defendant has provided an eyewitness account of Champion's brutal death, according to another report in the Sentinel.

Ryan Dean, whop was given a probationary, community-service sentence for his role in Champion's death, provided the signed statement to Orange County prosecutors. In his statement, Dean identified defendant LaSherry Codner who, he says, punched Champion and held him back from reaching the rear of the bus as he absorbed kicks and punches from other band members. Dean also described defendant Benjamin McNamee holding onto the rails of the bus as he appeared to be kicking Champion after he had fallen into a seat. Dean named others as well.

Florida A&M University is the state's only public, historically black university. The Tallahassee-based university was founded in 1887 "and it is the largest historically black university in the United States by enrollment," according to its Wiki.

FAMU is well-known for its Marching "100" Band—which has a long history of violent hazing incidents. Investigators learned in May 2012 that more than 100 members of the marching band were NOT registered students. That included at least three of the 11 band members initially charged with felony hazing.

Champion's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the university, bus company and driver, claiming they encouraged or ignored illegal hazing acts over many years.

Champion's parents publicly revealed in January 2012  that their son was gay. In addition to being vocally opposed to hazing, Champion's sexuality could have been among the reasons why he was viciously beaten during the attack, according to the family's attorney. Read more at  my article for Ebony: "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell": Why Has Black Media Ignored the Sexuality of FAMU Hazing Victim Robert Champion?"

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3 FAMU Band Members Charged in Death Are NOT Students
Band Members Describe Using a "Big Traffic Cone"
Final Felony Suspect Surrenders in Hazing Death
10 Arrested in FAMU Hazing Death
8 Suspects Arrested in FAMU Hazing Death
13 Face Criminal Charges in FAMU Hazing Death
Multiple Charges Expected in FAMU Hazing Death
Prosecutors Review Champion's FAMU Hazing Death
2 FAMU Music Professors Involved in Band Hazing
Still No Charges in Champion's Death
FAMU Student's Sexuality Lead to Hazing Death?
Police Arrest 3 FAMU Students After Brutal Hazing
Investigators Uncover Misconduct in Hazing Death
Lawsuit Reveals Details

Robert Champion's Parents Want FAMU Band to Remain Suspended

There are new developments in the case of Robert Champion, the 26-year-old Florida A&M University drum major who died in November 2011 after a vicious hazing from fellow band members. Champion was gay. On Monday, prosecutors charged 12 former FAMU band members with manslaughter in connection with Champion's death.

Champion's parents said they "may ask Florida Gov. Rick Scott or the chancellor of the State University System to intervene" and ensure that FAMU's world-renown marching band remains suspended, reports the Orlando Sentinel.

The band has been suspended since shortly after Champion, a drum major, was beaten to death by fellow band members in Orlando in late 2011. While FAMU has not said when the band will return, there is speculation that since the university is seeking a new band director, the ensemble could be reinstated this year.

Pamela Champion said the band should be suspended for several years — as would be the case if a fraternity had been involved in a hazing death, she said.

The Champions and their attorney, Christopher Chestnut, said the band is not ready to perform because FAMU has not done enough to eradicate hazing. "If you have not cleaned up anything … then what good is bringing in a new band director going to do?," Pamela Champion said. "[It's] just taking a new band director and throwing him into dirty water."

FAMU is Florida's only public, historically black university. The Tallahassee-based university was founded in 1887 "and it is the largest historically black university in the United States by enrollment," according to its Wiki.

FAMU is well-known for its Marching "100" Band—which has a long history of violent hazing incidents. Investigators learned in May 2012 that more than 100 members of the marching band were NOT registered students. That included at least three of the 11 band members charged initially charged with felony hazing in May 2012. That felony hazing charge carried a maximum penalty of almost five years. The new manslaughter charges are punishable by up to 15 years in prison

Champion's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the bus company and driver, claiming they willingly participated in illegal hazing acts over many years. The university's attorneys created an uproar with their initial response to that lawsui last fall. The filing suggested the deceased student was responsible for his own death.

Champion's parents publicly revealed in January 2012  that their son was gay. In addition to being vocally opposed to hazing, Champion's sexuality could have been among the reasons why he was viciously beaten during the attack, according to the family's attorney. Read more at  my article for Ebony: "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell": Why Has Black Media Ignored the Sexuality of FAMU Hazing Victim Robert Champion?"

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Why Has Black Media Ignored Sexuality of RChampion? [EBONY]
12 Charged with Manslaughter in FAMU Hazing Death
Band Members Claim Robert Champion Agreed to Hazing
3 FAMU Band Members Charged in Death Are NOT Students
Band Members Describe Using a "Big Traffic Cone"
Final Felony Suspect Surrenders in Hazing Death
10 Arrested in FAMU Hazing Death
8 Suspects Arrested in FAMU Hazing Death
13 Face Criminal Charges in FAMU Hazing Death
Multiple Charges Expected in FAMU Hazing Death
Prosecutors Review Champion's FAMU Hazing Death
2 FAMU Music Professors Involved in Band Hazing
Still No Charges in Champion's Death
FAMU Student's Sexuality Lead to Hazing Death?
Police Arrest 3 FAMU Students After Brutal Hazing
Investigators Uncover Misconduct in Hazing Death
Lawsuit Reveals Details in FAMU Hazing Death

Marc Lamont Hill on HuffPost Live: "Black Men Under Fire"

Marc Lamont Hill hosted an excellent Huff Post Live discussion on "Black Men Under Fire"—the escalating and ongoing number of cases of unarmed Black men who have been brutally shot down. The recent case of 17-year-old Jordan Davis is among the latest examples.

The Davis case shows that "Black men are still marked as dangerous and lethal threats in America," said Hill. "Why can't we move past the criminalization and murder of these young Black men? When I first heard it, I thought someone mixed this up with Trayvon Martin. Why can't they get any police intervention or benefit of the doubt?"

Mark Anthony Neal agreed. "There are very few spaces in American society to access the humanity of Black men. Especially young Black men," said the Professor of Black Popular Culture at Duke University. "Even looking at sports, Black athletes are [perceived] as gladiators. ... Black men are always seen as a threat. They can just be outside listening to music and [society] sees them as a threat."

Watch AFTER THE JUMP ...

PHOTOS: Model Hotness Virguens Vergin is Your Beach Fantasy

PHOTOS: Bienaime Agency/Orin Fluerimont

New model oh-so-hotness Virguens Vergin is tall, dark, flawless and his muscles are "bulging" in all the right places. The 22-year-old Virguens is a native of Haiti and has lived in the United States since he was 7-years-old.

The model is signed to the Bienaime Agency, the New York-based boutique agency that represents more hot Black models. The images were lensed by Miami-based photographer Orin Fluerimont.

If you liked those images, you'll love it AFTER THE JUMP ...

White FL Man Kills Unarmed Black Teen in Argument Over Loud Music

Another unarmed Black Florida teenager has been shot and killed by an older white man under bizarre circumstances, reports the Orlando Sentinel. 

Michael David Dunn, 45, and his girlfriend were in Jacksonville Friday for Dunn's son's wedding when they stopped at a convenience store, Jacksonville sheriff's Lt. Rob Schoonover said. Jordan Russell Davis, 17, and several other teenagers were sitting in a sport utility vehicle in the parking lot when Dunn pulled up next to them in a car and asked them to turn down their music, Schoonover said.

Jordan and Dunn exchanged words, and Dunn pulled a gun and shot eight or nine times, striking Jordan twice, Schoonover said. Jordan was sitting in the back seat. No one else was hurt. Dunn's attorney Monday said her client acted responsibly and in self-defense. She did not elaborate.

Dunn and his girlfriend took off afterward, and witnesses jotted down their tag number, deputies said. 

The fatal shooting comes less than nine months after the unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was killed in Florida by a self-appointed neighborhood watchman. EBONY's Jamilah Lemieux essays that "acting responsibly" has become the new "white privilege."

Dunn harassed a car full of young people, shot into the car and drove away. Upon learning that someone had died, he fled town and waited for the police to come find him.

The shooter’s lawyer, Robin Lemonidis, originally stated that her client was not guilty and had acted responsibly. A report late Tuesday night included claims that Dunn had "seen a gun."  While he certainly is entitled to his day in court…why was the gun claim not made until two days after he was arrested? Why didn’t he turn himself in if he felt he’d done nothing wrong?

Alas, in a country that is dealing with increased racial tensions and the insane paranoia of White men who seem to feel that their country has been stolen by a burgeoning ‘minority’ population and a Black president who won the popular vote, it seems inevitable that we will hear more stories like this.

Dunn is an avid "gun collector," reports the Jacksonville Times-Union. He was arrested at his home on Saturday and charged with murder and attempted murder. He is being held without bail. 

Davis' funeral will be held on December 1.

Just another unarmed Black teenager gunned down by a white man who  said that he “felt threatened." Nothing to see here. Keep moving, folks!