Vandy rape case update

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger @sbarchenger  ·  Apr 17
Miles Finley - Calif. friend - guilty of accessory charge in Vanderbilt rape case http://tnne.ws/1yCeGKn  via @tennessean #vandytrial

A California man has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor accessory charge in the June 2013 rape of a Vanderbilt University student by football players.

Miles Finley was friends with Brandon Vandenburg, who was convicted in January of multiple counts of aggravated rape.

Finley testified at trial that Vandenburg sent him text messages and videos of the assault as it was happening. The 21-year-old said Vandenburg later came to California and confiscated his cell phone.

Finley originally was charged with evidence tampering.

...Appearing via Internet video from Palm Desert, Finley was sentenced to 11 months and 29 days unsupervised probation. The charge can be expunged if he stays out of trouble during that time.

[jbcarol]

 Beth Inglish @bethinglish  ·  Apr 18

.@NashvilleSAC hosts "Walk in Their Shoes" 4/18 to end sexual violence. #SACWalk20105 @Tennessean @sbarchenger

[jbcarol]

 Stacey Barchenger @sbarchenger  ·  15h 15 hours ago

Hey all, just a reminder that the sentencing in Vandy rape trial (originally scheduled for Friday) HAS BEEN DELAYED to June. #vandytrial

[jbcarol]

 The TennesseanVerified account ‏@Tennessean

Congrats @sbarchenger on your @Gannett Award of Excellence
1:35 PM - 1 May 2015

Stacey Barchenger @sbarchenger  ·  May 1

Stacey Barchenger retweeted The Tennessean

Good news! This also part of entry: Alleged Vanderbilt rape victim says 'That's me' http://tnne.ws/1BM03nM  #tgif

Note to readers: This story contains graphic information from court testimony. It is included in this story to convey what allegedly was done to the victim.

She walked confidently to the witness stand, fueled by encouragement of others saying, "you can do this."

She walked past two men, one whom she dated and another she has never met. Both men, Brandon Vandenburg, 21, and Cory Batey, 20, are former Vanderbilt University football players accused of raping the woman in a Vanderbilt dorm in June 2013.

She walked into the courtroom on Thursday to tell the jury about something she does not remember...

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger @sbarchenger  ·  6h 6 hours ago

No court date set to hear this issue: Defense seeks mistrial in Vanderbilt rape case http://tnne.ws/1HliDq6  via @tennessean #vandytrial

The motion, filed by Brandon Vandenburg's attorneys, was expected. It claims that a juror who heard Vandenburg's trial in January intentionally withheld information that he was a rape victim during the jury selection process so he could serve on the jury, and thus was biased in his verdict.

Jurors unanimously found Vandenburg and Cory Batey guilty of aggravated rape and other counts after a more than two-week trial in January.

[jbcarol]

 Stacey Barchenger @sbarchenger  ·  3h 3 hours ago

Was expecting this: Second mistrial motion filed in Vanderbilt rape case #vandytrial http://tnne.ws/1ScYHJe  via @tennessean

Attorneys for Cory Batey have filed a motion seeking a mistrial in the Vanderbilt University rape case, a move that was expected after a co-defendant took the same step last week.

Batey and Brandon Vandenburg, both 21 and former football players, were convicted of aggravated rape and other counts after a more than two-week trial in January. A jury heard evidence that Batey raped an unconscious student in a dorm in June 2013 while Vandenburg encouraged the act and was criminally responsible.

After the trial, defense attorneys said they discovered one juror did not disclose during questioning that he was a victim of rape and thus could not have been unbiased in considering the case.

Criminal court Judge Monte Watkins has placed the motion filed by Batey's defense team under seal, but it is expected to piggyback on arguments made by Vandenburg's defense.

No court date to hear the mistrial requests has been set. Batey and Vandenburg are in custody and are next expected in court on June 15, a date originally scheduled for sentencing.

[jbcarol]

 Stacey Barchenger @sbarchenger  ·  17h 17 hours ago

DA's office dedicates four to sex trafficking, believed to be only dedicated unit in #Tennessee http://tnne.ws/1Hl1aJ1  via @tennessean


No word on whether they would set up a branch office in the Vandy football dorm.

[jbcarol]

NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -

The sentencing hearing for two former Vanderbilt football players found guilty has been postponed again so Judge Monte Watkins can hear motions for a mistrial.

Brandon Vandenburg and Cory Batey, who were both found guilty on multiple rape charges during the trial held in January, filed motions for a mistrial on grounds of juror misconduct.

The sentencing hearing had been set for June 15 after a couple of postponements.

Watkins will hear the motion for a mistrial in court at 9 a.m. The sentencing hearing will be rescheduled.

Attorneys for both Vandenburg and Batey claim the jury foreman did not disclose being a victim of a sex crime.

An attorney for the juror has denied her client did anything wrong.

"This issue has legs," said Jim Todd, Channel 4 legal analyst. "The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees a defendant the right to a trial by a jury that is fair and impartial."

The jury foreman maintains his decision to convict was not swayed by anything in his past...

[DeltaBoy]

This has become a real mess.

[jbcarol]

The Tennessean ‏@Tennessean May 27

Victims' groups weigh in on Vanderbilt records case: http://tnne.ws/1J6x4gs 

Four advocacy groups have joined in a case asking the Tennessee Supreme Court not to release some records used in the investigation of a high-profile rape at Vanderbilt University.

The groups and an individual filed their 37-page brief on Wednesday. The state Supreme Court is set to consider public records law, laws that grant protections to crime victims and police exemptions to public records during arguments on Thursday.

Two former Vanderbilt football players, Brandon Vandenburg and Cory Batey, were convicted in January on four counts of aggravated rape and other charges for the rape of an unconscious woman in a dorm in June 2013.

Two other former players, Brandon Banks and Jaborian "Tip" McKenzie, await trial on similar charges.

The Tennessean, eight media organizations and the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government filed suit against Metro in fall 2013 seeking access to records in the hands of police, including text messages between coaches and football players.

The media groups are not seeking access to images of the assault that were captured on cellphone video or in pictures.

The advocacy groups say that releasing information sought by the newspaper would jeopardize protections given to crime victims...

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger  4h4 hours ago
Even TN Supreme Court Justice Lee thinks an order sealing trial evidence in #Vandytrial is unusual: http://tnne.ws/1HTwAf8  via @tennessean

A court order sealing all evidence presented during the public trial of two former Vanderbilt University football players who raped another student is so unusual even the Tennessee Supreme Court is curious about it.

Nashville Criminal Court Judge Monte Watkins initiated the order, which seals all evidence and testimony presented at the more than two-week trial in January when a jury found Brandon Vandenburg and Cory Batey guilty in the rape.

At the time, media advocates labeled the court order unprecedented. Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Lee took time during a related case on Thursday to question the order as unusual.

The reason some legal minds say the order stands out is because the rape trial was open to the public.

It was shown live on TV and the Internet. Reporters rapidly tweeted tidbits of testimony. Anyone could have walked in to watch...

Two other former football players, Brandon E. Banks and Jaborian "Tip" McKenzie, are both awaiting trial on charges of rape related to the June 2013 assault at Vanderbilt...

The case against Batey and Vandenburg, which was delayed multiple times before trial, could be far from finished. This month, Watkins will hear motions to declare a mistrial based on what defense attorneys say was a biased juror. An appeal is likely if that doesn't go in the defense's favor.

Don Cochran, an associate professor at Belmont School of Law, said he has seen judges seal cases while appeals are ongoing.

"To me it's certainly not the norm. It's unusual, but it's not unheard of," he said. Cochran, a former state and federal prosecutor in Alabama, said some of his cases were sealed for years after a trial.

Live tweeted in this thread.

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 16h16 hours ago

Have a question about mistrial motions filed in #Vandytrial? Let me know and I'll include in preview story! #sexualassault #vandy

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 6h6 hours ago

On Monday, judge will hear mistrial motions in #Vandytrial. Here's verdict story after trial in January: http://tnne.ws/1Celv58

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 2h2 hours ago

In court this morning for mistrial hearing in Vanderbilt football players' rape case http://tnne.ws/1Sf3WqE  via @tennessean #vandytrial

Why haven't they been sentenced?

Defense lawyers have been gearing up to make the case that Vandenburg and Batey did not get a fair trial because one juror may have been biased. They had to wait on transcripts of the trial, which took several months.

Vandenburg's and Batey's attorneys say that the juror did not disclose in jury selection that he had been the victim in a statutory rape case. They say they only found out when another man convicted of the crime came forward. They say the juror intentionally withheld that information so he could serve on the jury and could not have been impartial.

f the judge says the juror should have disclosed the information, what happens?

Criminal Court Judge Monte Watkins would grant a mistrial and set a new trial date. It's possible that prosecutors and defense attorneys would try and work out a plea agreement to avoid a second trial.

Are Vandenburg and Batey in jail, and could they get out?

They have been in jail since the verdict on Jan. 27. If the judge declares a mistrial, defense attorneys could ask that Vandenburg and Batey be released while they wait for a new trial...

What's next?

Two other former football players, Jaborian "Tip" McKenzie, 20, and Brandon E. Banks, 21, were also charged and are awaiting trial. No dates have been set in their case.

Also pending in court: The Tennessean and a coalition of media agencies are suing Metro government for access to records — such as text messages between Vanderbilt players and coaches — that police reviewed as part of the investigation. The Tennessee Supreme Court is considering that case.

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 3h3 hours ago

For those who have been following, here's midday update on Vanderbilt rape trial mistrial hearing: http://tnne.ws/1JQfIGN  #vandytrial

Judge will not rule on mistrial motions today, expects to do it by next week. Court dismissed for today.

A man who defense attorneys say was a biased juror in the rape trial of two former Vanderbilt University football players testified Monday that he actually did not want to serve on the jury.

Attorneys for Brandon Vandenburg, who turns 22 today, and Cory Batey, 21, argue that the man intentionally did not disclose during jury selection he was a victim in a statutory rape case in Sumner County in 2000. They want a new trial.

Called to testify at a hearing on the issue Monday, the juror said he did not consider himself a victim because it was a consensual relationship when he was 16 with a man seven or eight years older than him.

He also said he did not think about that relationship, calling it "inconsequential" in his life, until after trial.

Defense attorneys presented evidence trying to show that he couldn't have simply forgotten about such a major incident: The juror went through 18 months of therapy as a teen, the family installed a security system at their home after the older man made threats and the juror himself underwent a medical evaluation known as a "rape kit."

Randall Reagan, one of Vandenburg's attorneys, questioned why the juror would not think of such a significant event when asked during jury selection in the Vanderbilt case if he knew any victims of sexual assault.

"None of this crossed your mind?" he began.

"No sir," the juror replied.

"Not the 18 months, the year and half of counseling, that didn't cross your mind?"

"No sir."

"Not the talk about Our Kids where you had been evaluated, that didn't cross your mind?"

"No sir."

"The 23 instances where you had sex with Mr. Swift (the defendant) a man more than four years older than you when you were under 16, that never crossed your mind?"

"No sir."

"Have you had any kind of treatment for this memory disorder that you have?" Reagan asked, prompting a swift objection from prosecutors and chuckles from those gathered in the courtroom.

Vandenburg and Batey were convicted of aggravated rape and other counts after a 12-day jury trial in January. As they did during trial, their families filled four rows in the courtroom Monday.

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 7m7 minutes ago

Here's recap of Monday's mistrial hearing in #vandytrial, expecting judge to rule in a week: http://tnne.ws/1JQfIGN  via @tennessean

Worrick Robinson, Batey's attorney, said documents such as police reports contradict the juror's statements that he did not consider himself a victim. He said the juror dodged attorneys' questions during jury selection and during Monday's hearing, spinning his story in his favor.

"He's deceitful and he's manipulative," Robinson said.

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger  2h2 hours ago
Advocates: #Vandytrial mistrial may leave victims "feeling as though the system may not work for them" http://tnne.ws/1N72fIp  @tennessean

Nashville Criminal Court Judge Monte Watkins has declared a mistrial for two former Vanderbilt University football players convicted of rape.

Watkins found that a juror, who did not disclose during jury selection that he was a victim of statutory rape, was biased and could not have been impartial in considering the case. His ruling comes two years to the day after the rape.

"Our system of justice cannot tolerate a trial with a tainted juror regardless of the strength of the evidence against the defendant," Watkins' order, released Tuesday afternoon, reads. "Applying the above legal standard and looking at the totality of the circumstances, the Court finds that the proof and arguments presented at the (mistrial) hearing provides enough evidence that granting a new trial is necessary and appropriate in order to promote a fair determination of the defendants' guilt or innocence."

Defense attorneys will gather in court at 9 a.m. Wednesday to request bonds be reinstated for Brandon Vandenburg, 22, and Cory Batey, 21. Both men were out on bond awaiting the first trial. Prosecutors said they will seek a new trial date. [Maybe they can still get on with a Juco.]

"This office will be requesting that a new trial date be set as soon as possible," a statement from the Nashville District Attorney's Office reads. "This ruling does not, in any way, affect the evidence that exists; nor does it affect the state's resolve to vigorously pursue justice in this matter. Justice may be delayed but it will not be denied."

Vandenburg and Batey, former Vanderbilt football players, were convicted of multiple counts of aggravated rape, aggravated sexual battery and other charges after a 12-day jury trial in January. The trial received national media attention and unfolded amid an ongoing debate on how colleges handle sexual assaults on campus.

...

Kathy Walsh, executive director of the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, said the ruling was disappointing, and she worried what impact it could have on future victims.


"It's disappointing from the perspective of a victim, who will now have to go through this trial again, and that is very traumatizing for folks to have to go through that," Walsh said.

"I think the mistrial does have an effect for other victims who are thinking about coming forward, and feeling as though the system may not work for them."

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger  52m52 minutes ago
Brandon Vandenburg's attorney pleased about mistrial ruling for Vandenburg, and "also what it means for our system of justice." #vandytrial

[hoglady]

The whole thing sucks, but the juror shouldn't have lied during the selection process. Don't see how the judge had any other option - a victim of rape shouldn't sit on a jury involving a rape.

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 7m7 minutes ago

Attorneys say they expect Vandenburg, Batey to be released today http://tnne.ws/1NaW85X  via @tennessean #vandytrial

A judge on Wednesday reinstated the bonds for two former Vanderbilt University football players who learned Tuesday there would be a new trial in their rape case.

Criminal Court Judge Monte Watkins increased bond for Brandon Vandenburg, 22, to $400,000, $50,000 more than the original amount. He reinstated an original $350,000 bond for Cory Batey, 21. Both men were found guilty of aggravated rape and other charges after a 12-day trial in January.

Watkins ordered both Batey and Vandenburg to wear GPS monitors pending a new trial. Attorneys for both men said they expect their clients to be released from jail today.

In a hearing Wednesday morning, a day after Watkins granted a mistrial in the case, Assistant District Attorney Roger Moore said the bonds for men should be "increased substantially" because they now know the consequences of the case.

[KlubhouseKonnected]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger  2h2 hours ago
Advocates: #Vandytrial mistrial may leave victims "feeling as though the system may not work for them" http://tnne.ws/1N72fIp  @tennessean

Sorry advocates but that should not be considered here. We can't pick and choose which cases the law should be applied to based on their societal impact.

The whole thing sucks, but the juror shouldn't have lied during the selection process. Don't see how the judge had any other option - a victim of rape shouldn't sit on a jury involving a rape.

It's not even necessarily that they "should not" or "can not" sit on the jury but failure to disclose the information denies counsel and court the opportunity to examine them for bias, thereby creating a presumption of actual bias.

I'm sure many people will be upset by this, but their ire should be directed solely at this juror.

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 1h1 hour ago

.@JetRanger69 Yes. Vandenburg has no ties to Tennessee and was charged in another case while out on bond before. #Vandytrial

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 6m6 minutes ago

Cory Batey's bonding agent is waiting at jail. Member of defense team brought suits in. Expecting Batey's release soon. #Vandytrial

[Rzbakfromwaybak]

Yes, the juror was stupid, & should have told prosecutors from the start, why he could not sit on that jury.  He should pay a penalty for this next unnecessary trial, it's all on him.  I suggest that he pay the court costs for the upcoming trial.   

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 19h19 hours ago

Vandenburg smiles when he first meets with attorneys after his release. #vandytrial

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 22h22 hours ago

Could juror who caused Vanderbilt rape mistrial be charged with perjury? Analysis: http://tnne.ws/1NbWLfC  via @tennessean #vandytrial

The juror who caused a mistrial in the rape case against two former Vanderbilt University football players issued a statement Tuesday expressing "immense remorse" for the impact of his actions.

Whether the juror faces charges could depend on whether prosecutors can prove he intentionally lied during jury selection, according to legal analysts.

District Attorney Glenn Funk said on Wednesday that it was "premature" to discuss whether Todd Easter, the juror, would be charged.

While under oath in jury selection in the rape case, Easter did not disclose he was a victim in a statutory rape case in Sumner County 15 years ago. He was asked questions such as whether he knew anyone who was a victim of sexual assault, and what his past involvement was in the justice system.

The Tennessean does not typically name victims of sexual assault...

[KlubhouseKonnected]

I suggest that he pay the court costs for the upcoming trial.   

You mean file bankruptcy?

[Rzbakfromwaybak]

You mean file bankruptcy?

Lol.  Yeah, maybe a better term would be....."bill him for the court costs".  However you want to slice it,  this is totally the juror's fault.  He should somehow be held accountable (for at least some) of the unnecessary cost of the retrial.

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger Jun 24

ICYMI: Victims advocates with @NashvilleSAC @TNCoalition react to mistrial in #Vandytrial http://tnne.ws/1LsV2oB  via @tennessean

Rachel Freeman, vice president of programs at the Nashville Sexual Assault Center:

"Our first impression is that this is a very disheartening decision, or could be very disheartening for victims and survivors of sexual abuse. As we all watched this trial unfold a few months ago, we saw more graphic details than we see in most cases. ... We know that it's already extremely difficult to disclose an assault, to move forward with pressing charges. We would hate to see that this kind of decision would cause more hesitation for survivors of assault."

Beth Fortune, vice chancellor for public affairs at Vanderbilt University:

"The judge has made his decision, and Vanderbilt will continue to cooperate as necessary as this case makes its way through the legal proceedings."

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 3m3 minutes ago

How could attorneys in #Vandytrial NOT have known one juror was a past rape victim? Some answers: http://tnne.ws/1IkVHXq  via @tennessean

Nashville Assistant District Attorney Pam Anderson, who was not involved in the Vanderbilt rape case, spoke generally about how prosecutors choose juries. She has worked in the office 22 years and specializes in prosecuting violent crimes.

She said prosecutors try to focus on personal experiences to find the things that could make a person biased. Typical questions include whether someone has been or knows a crime victim, has been involved in the justice system and what type of work he or she does.

All of those questions were asked in the Vanderbilt rape case.

Identifying past victims would not be easy, even if their names were run through criminal justice databases, she said. Among potential problems are that victims are often only identified by name and not other unique characteristics — such as fingerprints, she said.

"I'm Pamela Anderson," she said, using herself as an example. "You have a lot of Pamela Andersons."

A search of public records performed by The Tennessean turned up nine Pamela Andersons in Nashville alone.

She said in some cases, jurors are screened through a more elaborate questionnaire process that takes several days. That is generally done only in death penalty cases to make sure jurors can consider that as a consequence.

To do a questionnaire in every case could be a burden given the number of trials in Davidson County...

[jbcarol]

The Tennessean ‏@Tennessean Jun 28

#Vanderbilt rape case mistrial makes Derek Mason's job even harder: http://tnne.ws/1LwU4qs  via @DavidClimer

Just what Derek Mason didn't need: a mistrial in the Vanderbilt rape case.

At a date yet to be determined, the long public nightmare will be repeated. And the man who was not hired as Vanderbilt football coach until seven months after the crime was perpetrated will again be forced to deal with the ugly residue of an ugly incident.

With all the other things Mason is fighting — an undermanned roster, a restructured coaching staff, an eight-game SEC schedule, a disenchanted fan base, inevitable comparisons to his predecessor — this is one more hurdle in his path.

The hits keep right on coming.

Mason, a rookie head coach last season, is to be commended for the way he handled this situation the first time around. The trial of one-time Vanderbilt players Brandon Vandenberg and Cory Batey lasted 12 days in a Nashville courtroom, but the case was lodged in the public consciousness far longer...

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger  4h4 hours ago Nashville, TN
That time one of the attorneys in #VandyTrial witnessed a plane crash in Cali: http://abcn.ws/1KGZRea  via @ABC h/t @NC5_ChrisConte

The real question: Does he wear the shark necklace during trial under his suit!?



Banner plane crash landed on the beach over the July 4 weekend.

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 56m56 minutes ago

Coming tomorrow: I expect we'll know more about new trial in Vanderbilt rape case http://tnne.ws/1McsPQd  via @tennessean #vandytrial

More information is expected to be shared Wednesday on how and when the second trial of two former Vanderbilt University football players charged with rape will take place.

Prosecutors and attorneys for Brandon Vandenburg and Cory Batey are scheduled to gather in front of Nashville Criminal Court Judge Monte Watkins at 9 a.m. Wednesday. The hearing to discuss a new trial date was set after Watkins declared a mistrial in the case on June 23.

Vandenburg, 22, and Batey, 21, were found guilty of multiple counts of aggravated rape and aggravated sexual battery during trial in January.

[pigture perfect]

This incident gets sorrier and sorrier. I hope the victim doesn't have to redo her testimony. Surely they could just use her affidavit.

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 10m

Hearing is minutes away. The only ex-player (of four accused) in the courtroom is Cory Batey. Attorneys for three others here. #vandytrial

Attorneys for Brandon Banks and Jaborian McKenzie, codefendants in #vandytrial, attend arraignments on their behalf. Plead not guilty.

Batey arraigned on new indictment. His attorney says they will not enter plea today. Vandenburg, who is not here, also arraigned #Vandytrial

Judge is continuing with other cases but says we'll come back to Vanderbilt rape case. #vandytrial

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 5m5 minutes ago

Nov. 30 looks like possible new trial date. Attys for Vandenburg asked for more time but say they can be ready then. #vandytrial

Here we go. Back to discussions on trial date. Attorneys for Vandenburg say trial in September is not enough time to prep. #vandytrial

Worrick Robinson, atty for Batey, says second trial could take longer, up to 3 or 4 weeks. Needs more time for jury selection. #vandytrial

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 10h10 hours ago

ICYMI: Second #vandytrial set for Nov. 30, but already warning signs of delays: http://tnne.ws/1McsPQd  via @tennessean #icymi

Vandenberg should be able to get a season in of juco.

A second trial for former Vanderbilt University football players accused of rape has been set for Nov. 30.

That date could change as defense attorneys have already voiced concerns about having enough time to be prepared for the second trial of Brandon Vandenburg, 22, and Cory Batey, 21.

They are facing charges of aggravated rape and aggravated sexual battery. A jury found them guilty of those charges in January.

Because of an issue of juror bias, Judge Monte Watkins declared a mistrial in the case last month.

When asked whether the rape victim was ready for a second trial, Deputy District Attorney Tom Thurman said, "she is."

A new indictment in the case — with the same felony charges but slightly different language — was delivered by a grand jury earlier this week. Vandenburg is also facing charges of destruction of evidence and unlawful photography.

In a hearing Wednesday morning, attorneys for two other co-defendants pleaded not guilty for their clients. Those men, Brandon Banks and Jaborian "Tip" McKenzie, have not yet gone to trial.

Attorneys for Vandenburg and Batey did not enter pleas, saying they received the indictments at the last-minute and needed to review them.

Robinson said he was considering a motion to change the trial venue. A previous request to do so was denied.

He also asked for three to four weeks for the second trial, citing need for more time for jury selection (push it back too far and all frat boy jury will be home on break). It took 12 days last time.

Vandenburg's two new attorneys, Bowlin and Randall Reagan, asked for time to review the case file, saying they were starting fresh on the case. Thurman said another attorney, Albert Perez Jr., had been involved since before charges were filed and has all the relevant documents.

Of the four men accused in the case, only Batey — who lives in Nashville — appeared in court with his family Wednesday. (Brandenburg in Mexico?)

The victim was 21 when, according to testimony at the first trial, Batey sexually assaulted her in Vandenburg's dorm room on June 23, 2013. McKenzie testified during the first trial that Vandenburg encouraged the rape, but did not physically participate.

[jbcarol]

 Brandon Vandenburg retweeted
Vanderbilt S&C ‏@IronDores 19 Jun 2013

ONLY THE STRONG WILL SURVIVE!
Strong Mind
Strong Body
Strong Character
Strong Will
#VANDERBUILD
#CHAMPIONSHIPSTATEOFMIND

[KlubhouseKonnected]

What a deutsche bag.

[jbcarol]

Bruce Feldman ‏@BruceFeldmanCFB Jul 17

Not one #Vandy player was selected for 1st, 2nd or 3rd team preseason All-SEC player. Pretty rare to see a program shut out like that.

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger Jul 17

Quilt the size of 2 bball courts comes to Centennial Park in #Nashville. Why? http://tnne.ws/1MwPhE1  @TNCoalition

[jbcarol]

Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 3h3 hours ago

Mistrial in Vandy rape case could influence jury selection in cases involving ex-Vols http://tnne.ws/1I2S1b0  via @mattslovin #vandytrial

[jbcarol]

 Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 3h3 hours ago

Bill to taxpayers for Vanderbilt rape trial and mistrial? By my count, more than $111,000 http://tnne.ws/1SpAdyV  via @tennessean #vandytrial

[jbcarol]

 YWCA of Nashville ‏@YWCANashville 21h21 hours ago

Join @shanfoster_32 and the YWCA on Aug 5 to learn how to end violence against women! http://bit.ly/1L0Xz5K 

[jbcarol]

John Martin@JohnMartin929

Vanderbilt really launched a football marketing campaign with the tagline of, "We don't need your permission." No words.

Katie Walsh ‏@walshie2004 2h2 hours ago

@JohnMartin929 I can't even with this.  Completely out of touch or willfully ignorant of what's going on around them.

Courtney Cronin ‏@CourtneyRCronin 7m7 minutes ago

Courtney Cronin retweeted John Martin

Knowing the # of people who work in an SEC athletic marketing office, HOW did this get approved?!?!?

[jbcarol]

Adam Sparks ‏@AdamSparks 1h1 hour ago

Vanderbilt football tweet strikes a nerve; yanked & yields apology. http://tnne.ws/1MQ2b3g 



Stacey Barchenger ‏@sbarchenger 1h1 hour ago

The school's apology. #vandy

[jbcarol]

Adam Sparks ‏@AdamSparks 2h2 hours ago

Update: Vanderbilt to do "intense internal review of our social media practices" over tweet http://tnne.ws/1MQ2b3g 

[MountainHomeHogger]

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/vanderbilts-pr-ran-college-football-twitter-feeds/



Absolutely hilarious!!

[ldfergu]

Yeah whoever came up with "we don't need your permission!" as their 2015 football quote amid a rape scandal involving 4 football players is a real genius. They then wrote some apology about consensual sex lol. Looked really stupid. Absolutely no thought went into that at all

[Hey Super]

Mega-fail.

[010HogFan]

AAAHAHAHHA THOSE ARE GREAT!