Daily Briefs

36th District Court celebrates Black History Month


The 36th District Court marked the celebration of Black History Month this February by highlighting both the importance of the past and the promise of the future.

Chief Judge William C. McConico marked the start of every work day with a Facebook posting and courtwide display of a spotlighted trailblazer, detailing the importance of their history and the inspiration that they have ignited in American communities today. The highlighted figures included a wide range of eras throughout history, from George Washington’s chef Hercules, to the first African-American principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater and current celebrated author, Misty Copeland.

“It is our responsibility to utilize our visibility and reach within the community to recognize Black History Month; to celebrate its impact and reflect upon the many sacrifices of those who came before us,” said McConico. “Every day, I am contacted by employees and members of the public who seek to express their pride in the court for these efforts, and to offer suggestions for additional activities and remembrances. We will continue to expand our observance in future years.”

The court marked the end of Black History Month with Spirit Day, which gave both employees and members of the bench an opportunity to express their HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and Greek organization pride. Dozens participated, demonstrating the importance of heritage and unity.

 

Ex-Spartans staffer files new lawsuit with more allegations
 

DETROIT (AP) — A former Michigan State football staff member filed a lawsuit this week in which he accused former coach Mark Dantonio of violating NCAA rules by contacting players at other schools to try to get them to transfer.

Curtis Blackwell also suggested in his suit that Dantonio had another team’s practice recorded. The lawsuit, filed in Wayne County Circuit Court, names Dantonio, former school President Lou Anna Simon, former athletic director Mark Hollis and current athletic director Bill Beekman as defendants.

The suit alleges breach of contract, violation of Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act for race discrimination and wrongful termination, wrongful termination against public policy, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Blackwell previously filed a lawsuit claiming his employment agreement was violated when he was disciplined while the school addressed sexual assault allegations against players in 2017.

In his new lawsuit, Blackwell says Dantonio mandated Blackwell “either engage in or be complicit in” various violations. The suit alleges Dantonio violated “the civil and/or criminal laws of another state by making (or directing his staff members to make and distribute) an audio or video recording of another person(s) (i.e. a competing football team’s practices) without consent and with the intent to invade their privacy.”

The suit also alleges that Dantonio violated “NCAA rules by contacting football players enrolled at other NCAA universities for the purpose of recruiting them to transfer to MSU.”
A message was left with Michigan State’s athletic department seeking comment. Dantonio announced his retirement last month and was replaced by Mel Tucker.


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