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Friday, February 27, 2015

Jones' rape, sodomy charges rock Louisville

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Former University of Louisville basketball player Chris Jones is arraigned on Thursday, February 26, 2015.(Photo: Matt Stone/The C-J)Buy Photo

In the end, the allegations against former University of Louisville basketball star Chris Jones were worse than anyone could have imagined.

Just hours after he led the team to a comeback victory over Miami and two days after being reinstated to the team he allegedly raped and sodomized one woman and, with two other men, did the same to another.

He pleaded not guilty Thursday and one of his lawyers, Scott C. c*x, predicted he will be found not guilty.

"We believe this gentleman is innocent and has been falsely accused," c*x told reporters, after Jefferson District Judge Sheila Collins released Jones on home incarceration, which he will begin serving in a hotel room.

Story continues after video

A video recap of the news involving former UofL guard Chris Jones' rape and sodomy charges on Feb. 26. Video by Eric Burse.

But his arrest on such serious allegations both punishable by up to 20 years in prison rocked the community, including Cardinals fans who questioned on sports talk radio shows whether Jones should have been punished more harshly for his earlier infraction threatening a girlfriend in a text message for which he served a one-game suspension.

Grilling U of L officials at a news conference, reporters also asked if Jones should have been dismissed and expelled for that offense and whether that might have prevented the more serious charges.

Lt. Col. Kenny Brown of the U of L police scoffed at the suggestion, saying the incidents were "totally unrelated."

Dean of Students Michael Mardis said the university can remove a student from campus if they are deemed a threat to others, but he said that decision hinges on many factors, including the victim's wishes.

Story continues after video

Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino discusses the events that led up to Jones being suspended, reinstated and then kicked off the team. Sam Upshaw Jr., The C-J

The "off and on" girlfriend who reported that Jones texted her Feb. 17 threatening to smack the "f" out of her after she ransacked his room told campus police she did not want him charged with a crime.

Mardis defended the university which he described as "dynamic and thriving" and its programs to combat sexual assault. He called the assault allegations "an incredibly unfortunate situation."

Coach Rick Pitino said later in the day, "We're all shocked, extremely disheartened and very saddened for everybody involved. Our prayers go out to every person involved in this."

Cardinals fans reacted with empathy toward the women and Jones.

Jalen D. Tilford (R) and 19-year-old Tyvon J. Walker (L) are charged with rape and sodomy.(Photo: Metro Corrections)

Kathy Dobbins, a lifelong fan who has attended every home game this season, said: "The consequences of this on Chris' life and futureit's terribly sad. It's very distressing and upsetting. If he is guilty, I hope he gets the help he needs."

U of L law student Michael Farley said he was shocked by the allegations. "I can't imagine the pain the victims are going through," he said. "I feel bad for the team. It's also a shame that players like (Mon)Trezl (Harrell) and (Terry) Rozier have to have their phenomenal seasons clouded by this controversy."

The events that led to the stunning charges occurred between 2 and 4 a.m. Sunday in a room at Cardinal Towne, a privately owned but campus-affiliated complex that is home to about 850 students. The apartments, owned by American Campus Communities of Austin, Texas, are the same place where cheerleader Danielle Cogswell died of a drug overdose last July.

The company didn't immediately respond to requests about whether it will step up security in the complex.

Brown said the events unfolded at what he called a "get-together" and that one of the women was a U of L student and the other took classes online from Western Kentucky University. They are 19 and 20 years old.

He wouldn't say how they knew Jones, 23, although a police report describes them as his acquaintances.

According to a criminal complaint, Jones alone engaged in unwanted intercourse with the first woman and sodomized her. She was able to identify him because she recognized him as a basketball player and because he told her his name, the complaint says. She was treated later at University of Louisville Hospital, where a rape exam was performed.

Other complaints say that Jones and another man, Jalen D. Tilford, forced a second woman to engage in sexual intercourse and oral s*x, the latter leading to a sodomy charge. A third man, Tyvon Julah Walker, also was charged with raping her. The complaints say they were identified by the women through social media.

Brown wouldn't disclose how the defendants know each other. Court records show that Jones and Tilford have no prior criminal records while Walker was charged last year with shoplifting and placed in diversion.

Story continues after video

Lt. Col. Kenny Brown, of the University of Louisville Police Department, and Michael Mardis, Dean of Students, talk to the media about the Chris Jones situation. Matt Stone, The C-J

Tilford and Walker were arrested and pleaded not guilty at their arraignments Thursday morning. Tilford is being held on a $100,000 bond and Walker on $75,000.

Brown said the incidents were reported to U of L police a few hours after they allegedly occurred, although he wouldn't say who made the reports because the investigation is "open and active."

The women were treated about 10:30 a.m. Sunday and Jones was dismissed from the basketball team shortly after noon that day, based on reports that he had missed a curfew, said sports information director Kenny Klein.

He said the athletic department learned about the sexual assault allegations only that afternoon.

The university declined to say Sunday why Jones had been kicked off the team, but Pitino said he was "finished."

c*x, one of three lawyers for Jones, said in court that the former player has cooperated from "the first minute" of the investigation, and Brown confirmed he had given a statement.

Arguing against setting a cash bond for their client, c*x and Ryan McCall noted that he has no prior record, surrendered voluntarily and is assisting police.

Collins released him on home incarceration, in lieu of a $25,000 bond, but ordered him to have no contact with either woman. She said if he does, "I will personally send police after you."

She ordered Jones to appear in court on March 9.

Story continues after video

"He hasn't received any special treatment," said attorney Scott C. c*x. "I'm impressed with how (Chris Jones) has handled this."

c*x said Jones, who is from Memphis, Tenn., has withdrawn from U of L to focus on his defense and is living in a hotel until he finds an apartment.

Police had cited him as a flight risk, but c*x said he has no intention of leaving Louisville.

Another lawyer for Jones, Rob Eggert, asked Collins to order U of L to preserve video recordings from security cameras inside Cardinal Towne, saying that they will help prove Jones' innocence.

Brown said there are many cameras in the building and that police are in the process of reviewing recordings.

Reporter Andrew Wolfson can be reached at (502) 582-7189. Reporters Jeffrey Greer, Matt Glowicki and Eric Burse contributed to this report.

Timeline after photo gallery

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CHRIS JONES TIMELINE

Feb. 17 Jones sends threatening text to a girlfriend.

Feb. 17 Coach Rick Pitino learns about the text during a team dinner, removes Jones from the dinner table and immediately suspends him from the team. Reached that night by The Courier-Journal, Pitino says he was "not sure" if Jones would only be suspended for one game. "Maybe longer," he says.

Feb. 18 Playing without Jones, U of L loses at Syracuse 69-59. Pitino says in his postgame comments that Jones may never play for U of L again.

Feb. 19 Jones surrenders his cell phone and is allowed to return to the team, subject to strict internal disciplinary measures, including a curfew.

Feb. 21 Jones leads the Cardinals to a comeback 55-53 win over Miami. After the game, he takes blame for his suspension.

Feb. 22 Between 2 and 4 a.m. at Cardinal Towne apartments, Jones allegedly rapes and sodomizes one woman, and, with two accomplices, rapes and sodomizes a second.

Feb. 22 Noon. U of L athletics hears Jones violated his curfew and committed other unspecified violations. He is dismissed from the team. School later hears he is being investigated in sexual assaults. Reached that night, Pitino says only that Jones is "finished" at U of L and refuses further comment.

Feb. 25 Warrant signed for Jones' arrest on rape and sodomy charges.

Feb. 26 Jones surrenders and pleads not guilty in Jefferson District Court; released on home incarceration.

Former University of Louisville player Chris Jones at his arraignment in Jefferson District Court in Louisville, Ky. Matt Stone, The C-J

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Source: http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/louisville/2015/02/26/louisville-basketball-chris-jones-arrest-warrant/24044629/

A high-speed llama chase in Arizona gripped the nation today

A live helicopter chase through the Sun City, Arizona area gripped the nation on Thursday. The targets of the chase: two large, surprisingly agile llamas.

The suspects, one white llama and one black llama, sprinted through the greater Phoenix metro area, expertly evading capture. Both are now in custody.

It is not yet known whether the llamas escaped from a circus, a petting zoo or a federal llama prison.

Some highlights of this terrifying chase:

The black llama was apprehended after foolishly allowing itself to be cornered. The white llama sprinted through the streets for several more minutes before being lassoed by a man in a moving pickup truck.

And the capture:

If you missed the live coverage (were you working or something?), watch it in full below.

Do you have information as to the identities of the llamas? Let us know in the comments.

UPDATE, Feb. 26. 5:07 p.m. ET: According to 12 News, the furry felons were therapy llamas that escaped from a local elderly care facility.

Topics:animals, Conversations, helicopter chase, llamas, U.S., Videos, Watercooler

Image: ABC 7

Source: http://mashable.com/2015/02/26/escaped-llamas-arizona/

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Watch: Local singers compete on 'American Idol'

Clark Beckham performs on 'American Idol'(Photo: Jeff Neira/Fox)

Three Middle Tennessee singers are among the top 24 contestants on "American Idol" this season, and two of them took the stage during Wednesday night's show.

Many "Idol" observers thought Clark Beckham of White House had one of the night's strongest performances with Percy Sledge's "When a Man Loves a Woman."

The 22-year-old has busked on Nashville's Lower Broadway, but he ditched the acoustic guitar for his performance, and seemed very comfortable on stage at the Fillmore Theater in Detroit.

Keith Urban stood up to applaud Beckham, but no one is a bigger Beckham fan on the judging panel than Jennifer Lopez.

"Goosies all day," she told him, referring to the goosebumps on her arms.

Eighteen-year-old Riley Bria of Spring Hill seemed a little less comfortable in the spotlight. His vocal performance on Eric Church's "Homeboy" was unsteady at first, and nerves might have gotten in the way of the charisma and confidence he had in his first audition.

Still, the judges were generous, and Harry Connick Jr. came up with a new nickname for the long-haired, guitar-toting country singer: "Keith Suburban."

"American Idol" continues on Thursday with performances from the top 12 female contestants, including Columbia'sSarina-Joi Crowe.

"Idol" airs at 7 p.m. CT on Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox.

Read or Share this story: http://tnne.ws/1BBXDcj

Source: http://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2015/02/26/riley-bria-clark-beckham-american-idol/24067031/

Cleveland Browns have no easy answers for what to do at tight end: Tom Reed ...

BEREA, Ohio -- On a day Cleveland went logo loco, the local football franchise also announced Brownie the Elf would return for another season.

Now that he's not using his hands to make the Johny Manziel money sign -- see countless Twitter avatars -- the club might need to employ him as a tight end.

Although the Browns' quarterback quandary continues to dominate headlines, there are no easy answers at a position of growing importance. Should they retain oft-injured Jordan Cameron? Spend big money to acquire a tight end in free agency? Or select one in the draft?

The best solution might involve a kid named Clive Walford, who sounds like he should be a love interest of Lady Mary Crawley on Downton Abbey. But that's getting ahead of our story.

It wasn't long ago the Browns appeared set at tight end after Cameron enjoyed his breakout Pro Bowl season in 2013. Remember when fans were concerned about giving center Alex Mack too much money because the team would need it to re-sign Josh Gordon and Cameron?

The tight end possesses good size, high character and acrobatic pass-catching abilities. The only thing scarier than his athletic ability is his medical file. That's what makes re-signing him or placing a franchise tag on Cameron so problematic. He's sustained a concussion in each of the past three years and also missed time last season with a shoulder injury.

Despite having the league's third-most salary cap space, it's understandable why the Browns might balk at committing to Cameron. They have until Monday to decide whether to franchise him for one season at $8.8 million. It's a tough call and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Browns allow him to walk.

Brownie the Elf is back, but his pass-catching skills are limited.city-data.com

At his best, the USC product represents the new breed of tight ends who stress defenses in the seams with the matchup problems they create. Picture Cameron's 80-yard touchdown against the Panthers in Week 15.

But he's not the only tight end of value who could hit the market March 10. The biggest name is the Broncos' Julius Thomas. The 6-4, 251-pounder grabbed 24 TD receptions over the past two seasons, making him one of the league's top red-zone threats. But Thomas comes with injury concerns, as well.

There's also the matter of who's throwing the passes. Teams must ask themselves whether the tight end would thrive without Peyton Manning as his quarterback and Demaryius Thomas creating space for him at wide receiver?

Regardless, he should attract ample suitors and the Browns probably would need to seriously overpay for Thomas' services. Other free-agent possibilities include Dolphins' Charles Clay and Ravens' Owen Daniels. Clay is an intriguing figure, but he could command $6 million per season on the open market. He's also coming off an injury-plagued season. There's a strong chance Clay remains with the Dolphins.

The Browns are meeting with Eagles' discard James Casey, who has a combined six receptions in the past two seasons. The club already has dependable depth tight ends in Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray.

If the Browns don't re-sign Cameron, their best bet to land an impact tight end might be in the draft, perhaps in the second or third round.

A dream scenario is University of Minnesota's Maxx Williams -- likened to the Cowboys' Jason Witten -- falling to them at No. 43 overall. Considered the best prospect at the position, Williams is 6-4, 249 pounds with good hands and NFL bloodlines. (His father, Brian, is a former Giants' center.) But if the Broncos lose Thomas it's easy to imagine them snatching Williams late in the first round.

That brings us to our man, Clive. Walford is 6-4, 251 pounds of attitude. He showed improvement in each of his four seasons at Miami and impressed scouts with his Senior Bowl practice week.

"I am the best tight end in this draft ... because I can block, I can catch, I can run after the catch, do everything that a tight end is expected to do," said Walford, who registered 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven TDs last season.

Scouts have questions, however, about his consistency and penchant for mental mistakes. Who else, then? Maybe, Ohio State's Jeff Heuerman as a mid-round alternative.

There are no certainties here for the Browns other than they need a good tight end. Absent a high-profile quarterback, they must surround whoever wins the job with talent at the skill positions to compete in the AFC North.

The Browns should get a quality receiver if they dedicate a first-round pick to acquiring one. The tight end options are a different story.

As for Brownie, he might be able to throw a decent stiff arm, but he lacks good foot speed and catching radius. Besides, many NFL talent evaluators see him as a two-dimensional figure.

Source: http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/02/cleveland_browns_have_no_easy.html

Ariel Camacho Dead At 22 ... What Happened To Los Plebes Del Rancho ...

Mexican musician Ariel Camacho has died at age 22, according to local reports. So what happened to the up-and-coming star?

Camacho, who with his band Los Plebes del Rancho was responsible for several Mexican hits, reportedly died in a car crash in Angostura, Sinaloa. Ariel Camacho and his crew were in a Honda Accord when the driver lost control while speeding around a curve and ended up in a canal. A man named Sarahi Duran Martinez was also reportedly killed, and two other passengers in the car were injured.

Watch one of Ariel Camacho's music videos below.

This was actually the second car accident for Ariel Camacho in less than 12 months. Last year, he was also reportedly involved in a high-speed crash that ended with his vehicle hitting a tree.

So who was Ariel Camacho?Before his death, he rose to fame as the lead member of Los Plebes Del Rancho,alongside Cesar Sanchez and Omar Burgos. The band was part of the Sony Music record label and had hits with the songs Hablemos claro, Toroencartado and El Karma. Camachos group specialized in Sierreo music, which usually features acoustic guitar, bass and accordion players. Shortly before his death, Ariel Camacho and his bandperformed at the Carnival Mocorito.

Several Mexican stars paid tribute to Ariel Camacho as word of his death spreads. It hurts my soul, wrote Chiquis Rivera. I cannot believe it. @arielcamacho_oficial rest in peace!!

Ariel Camacho and Los Plebes Del Rancho had just finished a Carnival gig when his fatal accident occurred.

And fans have trended Ariel Camacho's name on Twitter for much of the day Wednesday once the news of his death went viral.

"Seriously can't believe, he was way to young & just came into music.. #RIP to one great artist," wrote @_isela23.

Added @Dolly_Amore: "I freaking LOVED his songs!! Why they gotta take the good talented ones..? my prayers go out to his family #ArielCamacho R.I.P"

Source: http://www.hollywoodtake.com/ariel-camacho-dead-22-what-happened-los-plebes-del-rancho-musician-video-74370