Leftists fuming after Republican councilman identifies as an Indian woman to 'shatter that glass ceiling'

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An Indiana Republican has enraged leftists and LGBT activists in his community by exposing the arbitrary and absurdist nature of social constructivism, having announced he is now an Indian woman.

Shattering the glass ceiling

Ryan Webb, formerly a councilman, now apparently a councilwoman in Muncie, Delaware County, announced on April 12 that after much consideration, he had "decided to come out" as his "true authentic self."

"It is with great relief that I announce to everyone that I identify as a woman and not just any woman but as a woman of color as well. I guess this would make me gay/lesbian as well, since I am attracted to women," Webb, a father of six, wrote in a Facebook post.

"Whew, that felt good to finally get that out there and start living life as my true self. I’m excited to bring some diversity to the county council. Until today we didn’t have any females of color or LGBTQIAPC+++ on the council. I’m glad that now we do!" he continued, adding, "To avoid confusion, everyone can continue to address me as Ryan or as Councilman Webb. I will also retain my my preferred pronouns of He/Him, however, this will in no way diminish my true identity as a woman of color. I’m excited to be a vocal partner of the LGBTQIAPC+++ movement."

Webb noted that his stunning transition was not only exciting but historic: "I am more than likely the very first lesbian woman of color in the history of Delaware County to ever serve on the Delaware county council. I am honored to be the one to shatter that glass ceiling."

Webb recently told Dale Jackson of WVNN that no one from the liberal media or Democratic establishment has yet contacted him to celebrate or discuss his achievement. He also indicated he has yet to receive an endorsement deal from a major brand.

Shattering leftist illogic

Charlize Jamieson, a 67-year-old transvestite in the council district, decried Webb's announcement, accusing the Republican of transphobia and bigotry, reported the Muncie Star Press.

Jamieson castigated Webb online, writing, "Was this really necessary? It's unbecoming of an elected official ... or a decent human being for that matter."

Webb asked Jamieson to extend the same compassion he had been given when coming out as a transvestite, writing, "When you decided to become a woman did people tell you it was unbecoming? Sorry pal but you don't get to be the decipher of who is acceptable and who isn't. I was hoping that you and I could be friends now that we're both ladies that used to be men. I'll give you some more time."

In a subsequent post, Jamieson appeared to provide criteria by which the authenticity of a transition claim ought to be judged: "Start dressing the part full time. Start hormone replacement treatment. Make a decision on surgery. Get your legal documents changed to reflect your gender. THEN, let's talk."

In the days following Webb's life-changing announcement, he and his family were reportedly targeted with death threats.

The councilman told WISH-TV, "Our family has been receiving violent threats throughout the day from intolerant liberals who refuse to accept my decision to live my life however I choose. I don’t really see how an interview will improve the situation."

Webb accused a leftist group called Indiana Progressives of organizing "a hate and harassment campaign against me and my family by publishing my address and encouraging people to unlawfully congregate at my home."

Indiana Progressives widely circulated Webb's announcement, writing, "County council member Ryan Webb mocks the LGBTQ community on Facebook. What a piece of s***! F*** you, Ryan Webb!

In response to the immediate backlash, Webb stressed that his "American Indian heritage is not of for debate. .... I hope that in the future those asking for tolerance and understanding are willing to give it in return and not just to those who they feel is worthy of it. Nobody has the authority to validate or invalidate any individual who chooses to identify a certain way."

Leftists seek to drive trans Indian out of office

The Muncie Star Press reported that the Delaware County Council convened on April 25 to take up, among other things, community members' demands for Webb's resignation.

Jamieson spoke out, once again denouncing Webb and misgendering him. He said that Webb's "words not only embarrass himself, but you, the county council."

A community member named J.M. DeAngelo said, "He may mind his manners here in this room, but his behavior online absolutely casts shame on this entire council."

The Burris Laboratory School chapter of the anti-Second Amendment group Students Demand Action called for Webb's resignation, suggesting that people like the councilman made life more difficult for people trying to figure out their identity.

A member of the group, Chelsea McDonnel, said, "With his facetious claim that he identifies as a woman of color ... he has made a mockery of his constituents, as well as his elected position and this council."

After various activists called for Webb to be removed from office, the councilman was finally given an opportunity to respond.

"You don't get to question me. You do not get to require proof from me. You were part of the movement that helped establish these rules and set the bar, OK?" said Webb. "You don't get to come later when someone else joins the club that you don't want in. ... You don't get to question how I identify."

\u201cIndiana councilma'am Ryan Webb flips the script and identifies as a 'lesbian woman of color' and the left predictably flip out \ud83d\udc40\u201d
— Kyle Becker (@Kyle Becker) 1682943659

Webb later accused his leftist critics of "perpetuating hate, intolerance and bigotry" toward him, noting that the backlash was "just another example of the intolerant Left and their ideology of contradictions."

The councilman has no intention of leaving the council, noting that capitulating now would "be an enormous disservice to the thousands of voters who chose me to be their representative."

\u201cRyan Webb, a white councilman in Indiana, now identifies as a woman of color\n\nThe best part? The media being forced to take him seriously:\u201d
— End Wokeness (@End Wokeness) 1682852851

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Rittenhouse defends himself again from leftist attacker Gaige Grosskreutz, this time with a countersuit

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Kyle Rittenhouse shot three attackers who mobbed him during a BLM riot in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Aug. 25, 2020. He was cleared of all charges in 2021.

While he fatally dropped two of his attackers, domestic abuser with multiple convictions and a violent child molester, Rittenhouse merely disarmed the third attacker, Gaige Grosskreutz, with a well-placed shot to the arm.

In February, Grosskreutz — who advanced on the then-17-year-old with a loaded weapon — added Rittenhouse to the civil lawsuit he originally filed against the city and county of Kenosha along with local law enforcement officials.

Rittenhouse announced Saturday that he will be launching a countersuit against Grosskreutz for assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

\u201cToday I have filed a counter lawsuit against Mr. Grosskreutz-for assault and emotional distress we look forward to holding him accountable in court. \nYou can support me and help me with this lawsuit by donating at https://t.co/GHncGiUx5Z\u201d
— Kyle Rittenhouse (@Kyle Rittenhouse) 1681516912

"With the prayers, love, and support of countless Patriotic and freedom-loving Americans, Kyle beat the odds, won his freedom, and proved to a nation that justice is possible, even in the face of overwhelming political and societal pressures. Unfortunately, Kyle finds himself with his back up against a wall again," says Rittenhouse's GiveSendGo page, where he seeks to raise money both for his legal defense and offense.

The page suggests that recent efforts to penalize Rittenhouse for defending himself are "intended to degrade further the protections afforded to us under the Second Amendment of The United States Constitution and our God-give Right to Self Defense."

Gregg Re, investigative producer of "Tucker Carlson Tonight," replied "lmao" to the announcement on Twitter and provided a link to Grosskreutz's testimony at Rittenhouse's murder trial, where the leftist admitted to taking aim at Rittenhouse with his loaded handgun.

During Grosskreutz's cross-examination, defense lawyer Corey Chirafisi posed the question: "When you were standing three to five feet from [Rittenhouse] with your arms up in the air, he never fired, right?"

"Correct," responded Grosskreutz.

"It wasn't until you pointed your gun at him, advanced on him with your gun, now your hands down and pointed at him, that he fired, right?" said Chirafisi.

Grosskreutz again answered in the affirmative.

Rittenhouse trial: Key state witness admits he pointed a gun at Rittenhouse before he was shot youtu.be

Despite ostensibly admitting in court to being an aggressor in the incident, Grosskreutz, who was previously charged with a firearm offense, paints a different picture in his lawsuit.

The leftist's lawsuit alleges that Grosskreutz "approached with his hands in the air to try to ease the situation and stop the killing," reported Fox News Digital.

"Defendant Rittenhouse instead shot Mr. Grosskreutz in the bicep, leaving a gaping wound. Thankfully, Mr. Grosskreutz did not die that day," says the lawsuit. "But he must live with the physical and emotional wounds inflicted by Defendant Rittenhouse and the Defendants who deputized and enabled him. The conduct of the Defendants in this case directly caused Gaige Grosskreutz’s injury."
Upon being added to Grosskreutz's lawsuit, Rittenhouse deemed it an "attempt to drown anyone who legally and justifiably defends there [sic] lives from attackers in a mountain of legal debt. We can not let them win. If they can come after me they will come after you."
According to Rittenhouse's countersuit, obtained by the Kenosha County Eye, "Counter-Defendant Grosskreutz committed unlawful conduct by carrying a concealed weapon without a valid license; running up on Counter-Plaintiff Rittenhouse with his weapon drawn as Rittenhouse lay on the ground; feigning surrender; pointing a loaded pistol at Rittenhouse’s head; and moving in for the kill."
Contrary to Grosskreutz's claim of seeking to "ease the situation," the countersuit says, "By running up on Counter-Plaintiff Mr. Rittenhouse with his weapon drawn as Rittenhouse lay on the ground; feigning surrender; pointing a loaded pistol at Mr. Rittenhouse’s head; and moving in to for the kill; Counter-Defendant Grosskreutz placed Mr. Rittenhouse in a reasonable apprehension of imminent and harmful contact."
"Counter-Defendant Grosskreutz intended to place Mr. Rittenhouse in apprehension of imminent and harmful contact by attempting to execute him."

Rittenhouse is seeking compensation and consequential damages, including damages for emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other pain and suffering, as well as declaratory relief.

Rittenhouse, represented by Mark Richards and Natalie Wisco, demands a jury trial.

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NASCAR star sentenced to over 3 years in Mexican prison after gun mishap

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One of the most recognizable names in NASCAR today was just handed a hefty prison sentence by a court in Mexico.

On Friday, the attorney general of Quintana Roo, the Mexican state where popular tourist destinations like Cancún and Playa del Carmen are located, announced that 37-year-old NASCAR star Kyle Busch had been sentenced to three and a half years in prison after he was found to be "carrying a firearm without a license."

Busch, identified in the press release only as "Kyle 'N'" or "Kyle Thomas B," had accidentally run afoul of the Mexican law last month when he and his wife, Samantha, were on vacation, and Busch claimed he forgot that he had left a gun in his handbag. When the Busches arrived at Cancún International Airport on January 27 to hop on a private plane back to the States, authorities discovered in his belongings a .380 caliber "pistol-type firearm" with a stocked magazine containing "six useful hollow point cartridges," the press release stated.

Because of an "expedited procedure," Busch's case was soon afterward placed before a "Control judge," and that judge issued Busch the prison sentence and a fine of just over $1,000. The press release claimed that Busch "was credited with his full responsibility in the commission of the crime," and a statement released on Busch's Twitter account seems to confirm his admitted guilt.

"Discovery of the handgun led to my detainment while the issue was resolved," Busch said in a statement issued on Monday. "I was not aware of Mexican law and had no intention of bringing a handgun into Mexico."

Busch elsewhere stated that he has "a valid concealed carry permit" and that he adheres "to all handgun laws" in general.

"I apologize for my mistake and appreciate the respect shown by all parties as we resolved the matter," Busch's statement said.

By all accounts, the matter does appear to be resolved, though it is unclear whether Busch will ever have to serve the considerable prison sentence he was given.

"My family and I consider this issue closed," Busch's statement concluded.

\u201chttps://t.co/1yPe117Cti\u201d
— Kyle Busch (@Kyle Busch) 1675720804

Busch and Kevin Harvick both have 60 NASCAR Cup Series wins to their name, more than any other full-time, active driver. Busch also has 223 cumulative wins across NASCAR's top-three series, making him the top active driver out there in that category as well. He competed in the Clash exhibition race at the Coliseum last Sunday and finished in third place.

There are several NASCAR events coming up soon, including the Pennzoil 400 on March 3 in Busch's hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada. His brother, Kurt Busch, is also a NASCAR driver with over 30 NASCAR Cup Series wins in his career.

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AP Stylebook recommends against 'dehumanizing 'the' labels,' like 'the French,' then deletes post due to 'inappropriate reference to French people'

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The Associated Press Stylebook's Twitter account has deleted a tweet that used the term "the French."

The post suggested that writers should avoid using "the" in front of words describing groups of people, advising against phrases such as "the French."

"We recommend avoiding general and often dehumanizing 'the' labels such as the poor, the mentally ill, the French, the disabled, the college-educated. Instead, use wording such as people with mental illnesses. And use these descriptions only when clearly relevant," the now-deleted post read.

\u201cThe AP is sticking to telling reporters not to write THE French. \n\nAP deleted tweet on left\u201d
— Emily Miller (@Emily Miller) 1674835649

But the Associated Press has said that including the phrase "the French" was not appropriate — ironically, while issuing the mea culpa, the AP still included the supposedly unacceptable phrase: "The use of 'the French' in this tweet by @AP was inappropriate and has caused unintended offense. An updated tweet is upcoming."

\u201c@APStylebook The use of \u201cthe French\u201d in this tweet by @AP was inappropriate and has caused unintended offense. An updated tweet is upcoming.\u201d
— The Associated Press (@The Associated Press) 1674807503

"We deleted an earlier tweet because of an inappropriate reference to French people. We did not intend to offend," the APStylebook account tweeted. "Writing French people, French citizens, etc., is good. But 'the' terms for any people can sound dehumanizing and imply a monolith rather than diverse individuals."

The now-deleted post caught the attention of the French Embassy in the U.S., which posted a screenshot in which it had typed "Embassy of Frenchness in the US" into the name form on its Twitter profile editing box.

\u201cI guess this is us now...\u201d
— French Embassy U.S. (@French Embassy U.S.) 1674771552

Wealthy business tycoon Elon Musk wrote, "So then why do call yourself 'The' Associated Press.'"

"I agree, these days we probably should label 'the college-educated' people with mental illnesses instead," Ben Shapiro tweeted.

"The AP has declared the word 'the' offensive. I thought this was a @TheBabylonBee story for a second - and I run The Babylon Bee," the satire website's editor-in-chief Kyle Mann tweeted.

\u201cThe AP has declared the word "the" offensive. I thought this was a @TheBabylonBee story for a second - and I run The Babylon Bee.\u201d
— Kyle Mann (@Kyle Mann) 1674830226

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Democratic congressman-elect says people who 'disagree with scientists about science' are simply 'incorrect'

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Democratic congressman-elect Eric Sorensen has claimed that people who disagree with scientists on issues pertaining to science are simply wrong.

"If you disagree with scientists about science, it's not really a disagreement. You're actually just incorrect. Science is not truth, it's the process of finding the truth. When science evolves, it didn't lie to you, it learned more," Sorensen tweeted on Wednesday.

"The second half of this tweet negates the first part of this tweet," Ellen Carmichael wrote in response to Sorenson.

\u201cThe second half of this tweet negates the first part of this tweet.\u201d
— \u269c\ufe0f Ellen Carmichael \u269c\ufe0f (@\u269c\ufe0f Ellen Carmichael \u269c\ufe0f) 1669911507

"I like my anti-science with a side of plagiarism," Kyle Lamb tweeted, highlighting a 2021 tweet from Mohamad Safa.

Safa had tweeted, "If you are not a scientist, and you disagree with scientists about science, it's actually not a disagreement. You're just wrong. Science is not truth. Science is finding the truth. When science changes its opinion, it didn't lie to you. It learned more."

\u201cI like my anti-science with a side of plagiarism.\u201d
— Kyle Lamb (@Kyle Lamb) 1669925001

Sorensen, who is openly gay and includes "he/him" pronouns on his Twitter profile, won election to Illinois' 17th Congressional District last month.

Pfizer posted a tweet on Tuesday that includes a photo of a man with a laptop and text that reads, "Incredible! Area Man Now Full-Fledged Scientist Thanks to One Internet Search."

"Wouldn't it be great if a few internet searches could land you a PhD? Thank goodness for real scientists," Pfizer tweeted when sharing the post.

\u201cWouldn't it be great if a few internet searches could land you a PhD? Thank goodness for real scientists\u201d
— Pfizer Inc. (@Pfizer Inc.) 1669741321

Pfizer posted a meme last year that apparently suggested that science restrains the human mind from embracing conspiracy theories.

"It's easy to get distracted by misinformation these days, but don't worry…Science has got your back. #ScienceWillWin," Pfizer commented when sharing the meme.

\u201cIt\u2019s easy to get distracted by misinformation these days, but don\u2019t worry\u2026Science has got your back. \n\n#ScienceWillWin\u201d
— Pfizer Inc. (@Pfizer Inc.) 1636493250

Earlier this year, Pfizer and BioNTech sponsored a cringeworthy Marvel comic that served as as vehicle for promoting COVID-19 vaccination.

\u201cWhen Ultron wreaks havoc, the Avengers act as the first line of defense. People can help protect themselves by staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations. Head to https://t.co/PfNUYTZlkj to get a first look at Pfizer, BioNTech, and Marvel\u2019s comic book!\u201d
— Pfizer Inc. (@Pfizer Inc.) 1664924402

Elon Musk agrees with Dinesh D'Souza that Twitter censorship has been 'a one-way operation against conservatives'

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Business magnate Elon Musk concurred with conservative filmmaker and author Dinesh D'Souza's assertion that censorship on Twitter has been a one-way street that targets conservatives, but not leftists.

"We don’t hear much about Democrats and leftists being let back on Twitter. Why? Because they were never kicked off in the first place. Their lies and misinformation simply escaped all scrutiny. Censorship has been deployed as a one-way operation against conservatives," D'Souza tweeted on Monday, tagging Musk.

"Correct," Musk replied on Tuesday.

\u201c@DineshDSouza Correct\u201d
— Dinesh D'Souza (@Dinesh D'Souza) 1669070209

Since purchasing the social media company, Musk has been reinstating some previously banished accounts, including the account of former President Donald Trump, who was kicked off of the platform last year during the waning days of his presidency. GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's personal Twitter account, which was permanently suspended in January, has also been restored.

"It is shocking how many journalists viscously [sic] attack free speech, but somehow think they’re the good guys!" Musk also tweeted on Tuesday.

\u201c@waitbutwhy It is shocking how many journalists viscously attack free speech, but somehow think they\u2019re the good guys!\u201d
— Tim Urban (@Tim Urban) 1669136302

"Imagine if @ElonMusk were actually the right-wing bogeyman these spoiled lefty journos pretend he is and he decided to turn the tables and ban all left-wing 'fake news' from @Twitter. There'd be nothing left for them to publish!" Kyle Becker tweeted.

"As is obvious to all but the media, there is not one permanent ban on even the most far left account spouting utter lie," Musk replied. "Not even Associated Press with their completely fictional report on Russian missiles hitting Poland that carried severe consequences for escalating the war," he added.

\u201c@kylenabecker @Twitter As is obvious to all but the media, there is not one permanent ban on even the most far left account spouting utter lies\u201d
— Kyle Becker (@Kyle Becker) 1669124834

Earlier this month, Musk urged "independent-minded voters" to back Republicans during 2022 congressional election contests.

"To independent-minded voters: Shared power curbs the worst excesses of both parties, therefore I recommend voting for a Republican Congress, given that the Presidency is Democratic," he tweeted on the eve of Election Day. "To be clear, my historical party affiliation has been Independent, with an actual voting history of entirely Democrat until this year," he wrote. "And I'm open to the idea of voting Democrat again in the future," he added.

In April, Musk tweeted that "today’s Democratic Party has been hijacked by extremists."

\u201c@waitbutwhy I strongly supported Obama for President, but today\u2019s Democratic Party has been hijacked by extremists\u201d
— Tim Urban (@Tim Urban) 1651195701

Kyle Rittenhouse, Catturd, and Libs of TikTok get blue verification badges as Elon Musk rolls out new $7.99 per month Twitter Blue subscription

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Twitter has started rolling out the option to pay $7.99 per month to get a blue verification badge, a move that comes not long after billionaire Elon Musk announced a plan to offer the badges for $8 per month.

The accounts of Kyle Rittenhouse, Libs of TikTok, and Catturd now bear the blue badges.

"Thank you @elonmusk!" Rittenhouse tweeted.

\u201cUh-oh \ud83d\ude31\n\nThank you @elonmusk!\u201d
— Kyle Rittenhouse (@Kyle Rittenhouse) 1668037010

"My $8 investment into getting to witness liberal meltdowns has paid off. Best $8 I ever spent!" Libs of TikTok tweeted.

\u201cMy $8 investment into getting to witness liberal meltdowns has paid off. Best $8 I ever spent!\u201d
— Libs of TikTok (@Libs of TikTok) 1668026090

"Seriously, how bad is this going to trigger the Left?" Catturd tweeted. "I can't stop laughing."

Last week, Musk referred to the organization's previous "lords & peasants system" for obtaining the badges as "bulls**t," adding, "Power to the people! Blue for $8/month."

Currently, the new version of Twitter Blue is only available to users in certain countries who use Apple's iOS, though Musk has said that the plan is to eventually expand the offering to other platforms and nations.

"Rollout of new verified Blue is intentionally limited just to iOS in a few countries with very little promotion. As we iron out issues, we will expand worldwide on all platforms," Musk tweeted. "In days to come, we’ll add granularity to verified badge, such as organizational affiliation & ID verification," he wrote.

"The new Twitter Blue is currently available for in-app purchase on iOS only in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, with plans to expand," Twitter notes. "New Twitter accounts created on or after November 9, 2022 will not be able to sign up for Twitter Blue at this time."

"The definition of Verification and the accompanying blue checkmark is changing. Until now, Twitter used the blue checkmark to indicate active, notable, and authentic accounts of public interest that Twitter had independently verified based on certain requirements," the company says. "Now the blue checkmark may mean two different things: either that an account was verified under the previous verification criteria (active, notable, and authentic), or that the account has an active subscription to Twitter Blue. Accounts that receive the blue checkmark as part of a Twitter Blue subscription will not undergo review to confirm that they meet the active, notable and authentic criteria that was used in the previous process."

Four Michigan State football players suspended after ganging up on 2 Michigan players after game — clobbering one with a helmet; punching, kicking another in hallway

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Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker made good on a promise to "take swift and appropriate action" after unsportsmanlike conduct turned violent in Ann Arbor on Saturday. Four MSU athletes have been suspended for their alleged involvement in the assaults on Michigan Wolverines players Ja’Den McBurrows and Gemon Green.

On Sunday, Tucker announced that upon reviewing "disturbing electronic evidence collected to date," linebacker Itayvion Brown, cornerback Khary Crump, safety Angelo Grose, and defensive end Zion Young were suspended, "effective immediately."

The four athletes allegedly targeted McBurrows and Green in the Michigan Stadium tunnel after the Spartans' 29-7 defeat in Ann Arbor by the University of Michigan Wolverines.

On Monday, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated that Green was the first punched. McBurrows allegedly tried to break it up and was subsequently dragged into the hallway and beaten.

Green's father told ESPN that the family is planning to press charges.

\u201cI spoke to the father of Gemon Green, the Michigan football player hit with a helmet in the tunnel. He said the family is planning to press charges and take legal action on those involved.\n\nHe said Gemon was struck with a helmet in the face, back and shoulder.\u201d
— Tom VanHaaren (@Tom VanHaaren) 1667228857

The universities' campus police are presently conducting joint investigations.

Suspensions and apologies

Tucker's statement indicated that MSU was working with law enforcement, Michigan campus leadership, and the Big Ten conference to "evaluate the events in Ann Arbor, including but not limited to, additional student-athlete participation in the altercations and contributing factors. The initial student-athlete suspensions will remain in place until the investigations are completed."

\u201chttps://t.co/cVrRRxrq32\u201d
— Mel Tucker (@Mel Tucker) 1667183146

Alan Haller, MSU vice president and director of athletics, also issued a statement Sunday night, writing, "Based on the alarming evidence that Coach Mel Tucker and I have been provided ... we are in alignment that it is necessary to take preliminary action and suspend four football student-athletes.

Haller said the four Spartans' behavior was "both uncharacteristic of our football program and unacceptable."

The incident

In the postgame conference, Harbaugh noted that he had only seen footage of McBurrows' "10-on-1" attack, which he characterized as "pretty, pretty bad."

Footage of the second attack has since been released, showing one Spartans player bludgeoning Gemon Green with a helmet.

Josh Henschke of Maize & Blue Review reported that McBurrows suffered "several contusions upper and lower," while Green suffered bruising.

One video shows several Spartans ganging up on defensive back Ja’Den McBurrows in the Michigan Stadium tunnel, throwing punches and landing kicks and throwing him to the ground:

\u201cWOAH! The Michigan and Michigan State scuffle carried over into the tunnel. #MSUvsUM \u201d
— Woodward Sports Network (@Woodward Sports Network) 1667099440

MSU players appear to pull down McBurrows in another video taken behind police officers at a T-junction in the tunnel:

\u201chttps://t.co/wkKGC8O2IA\u201d
— Kyle Austin (@Kyle Austin) 1667099224

In a newly released clip, 6-foot Khary Crump appears to use his helmet to swing at Green as the Wolverines player attempted to return to his team's locker room:

\u201cThe 2nd Jumping harbaugh was referring to \n\nJust kick them all off or suspend them\u201d
— GBP (@GBP) 1667145965

WJRT reported that the attacks were preceded by trash talk between members of both teams. It is unclear whether the Wolverines escalated the situation by drawing attention to how they had managed 276 rushing yards over MSU's 37 or had once again taken home the Paul Bunyan trophy.

University of Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel indicated that Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren was looking into the fight.

\u201cThere was an incident in the tunnel after Michigan's rivalry win over Michigan State.\n\nJim Harbaugh and Warde Manuel addressed it in the postgame press conference.\u201d
— Big Ten Network (@Big Ten Network) 1667106069

Spartans coach Mel Tucker tweeted after the alleged assaults, writing, "Our program has a responsibility to uphold the highest level of sportsmanship. While emotions were very high at the conclusion of our rivalry game at Michigan Stadium, there is no excuse for behavior that puts our team or our opponents at risk."

University of Michigan Deputy Chief of Police Melissa Overton released a statement, indicating that University of Michigan Police were collaborating with MSU Police and investigating the postgame incident.

\u201cUniversity of Michigan Deputy Chief of Police Melissa Overton released this statement on the incident with Michigan State in the tunnel at Michigan Stadium.\u201d
— Tom VanHaaren (@Tom VanHaaren) 1667106183

Video: Numerous Michigan State football players gang up on lone Michigan player, punching, kicking, and throwing him to ground in stadium tunnel after MSU loss

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After the Michigan State Spartans lost the gridiron battle to the Michigan Wolverines 29-7 in Ann Arbor on Saturday, some MSU players evidently figured they might still win the war.

Video shows several Spartans ganging up on a Michigan football player — identified in multiple reports as defensive back Ja’Den McBurrows — in the contentious Michigan Stadium tunnel, throwing punches and landing kicks and throwing him to the ground:

\u201cWOAH! The Michigan and Michigan State scuffle carried over into the tunnel. #MSUvsUM \u201d
— Woodward Sports Network (@Woodward Sports Network) 1667099440

Another video taken behind police officers at a T-junction in the tunnel appears to show Michigan State players pulling down a Wolverines player:

\u201chttps://t.co/wkKGC8O2IA\u201d
— Kyle Austin (@Kyle Austin) 1667099224

Postgame offense

WJRT reported that the scuffle was preempted by trash talk between members of both teams. It is unclear if the Wolverines escalated the situation by drawing attention to how they had managed 276 rushing yards over MSU's 37.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh claimed in the postgame press conference that two Wolverines players had been assaulted, characterizing what he saw in the video of the "10-on-1" skirmish as "pretty, pretty bad."

Harbaugh added that one player had a nasal injury — potentially a broken nose — as a result of the tunnel fight.

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel called the incident "unacceptable," noting that "this is not what a rivalry should be about."

Manuel indicated that Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren was looking into the fight.

\u201cThere was an incident in the tunnel after Michigan's rivalry win over Michigan State.\n\nJim Harbaugh and Warde Manuel addressed it in the postgame press conference.\u201d
— Big Ten Network (@Big Ten Network) 1667106069

Spartans coach Mel Tucker tweeted afterward that "our program has a responsibility to uphold the highest level of sportsmanship. While emotions were very high at the conclusion of our rivalry game at Michigan Stadium, there is no excuse for behavior that puts our team or our opponents at risk."

One video appears to show Tucker swinging at a fan who tried to touch him on his way out of the stadium:

\u201cDo not touch Mel Tucker\u2019s head\u201d
— Unnecessary Roughness (@Unnecessary Roughness) 1667103540

According to Tucker, Michigan State would "evaluate the events in Ann Arbor and take swift and appropriate action," in "complete cooperation with law enforcement, the Big Ten Conference and MSU and UM leadership."

University of Michigan Deputy Chief of Police Melissa Overton released a statement, indicating that University of Michigan Police were collaborating with MSU Police and investigating the post-game incident.

\u201cUniversity of Michigan Deputy Chief of Police Melissa Overton released this statement on the incident with Michigan State in the tunnel at Michigan Stadium.\u201d
— Tom VanHaaren (@Tom VanHaaren) 1667106183

Tunnel of love

Sports Illustrated reported that Michigan Stadium having only one tunnel leading to both locker rooms has been raised as a possible problem previously.

Earlier this month, Penn State and Michigan players got into a shouting match in the same tunnel:

\u201cSome halftime tunnel shenanigans happening.\u201d
— Isaiah Hole (@Isaiah Hole) 1665855722

Penn State head coach James Franklin afterward called the route off the field "a problem."

Stacey Abrams loses again: Judge rejects suit claiming Georgia's 2018 election was mismanaged



When Republican Gov. Brian Kemp defeated Democrat Stacey Abrams in Georgia's 2018 gubernatorial election by 54,723 votes, Abrams refused to concede. She suggested that doing so would make her "complicit" in a "rigged" system. While the delta in votes was too large to legally warrant a recount, Abrams — who will again face Kemp in this year's election — sought other ways to contest the democratic result.

After the election, Abrams' Fair Fight Action organization filed a lawsuit, claiming Georgia had "grossly mismanaged" the election, depriving some citizens of their right to vote. In particular, the group took issue with two facets of the state's voter verification processes, both designed to counter voter fraud.

On Friday, U.S. District Judge Steve Jones in Atlanta rejected that lawsuit, finding for the defendants on all counts.

Rejected

Jones, appointed by former President Barack Obama, stated that although "Georgia's election system is not perfect, the challenged practices violate neither the constitution nor the [Voting Rights Act of 1965]."

The trial, which was decided by judge rather than by jury, took place over the course of two months and 21 trial days. Jones suggested it may have "been the longest voting rights bench trial in the history of the Northern District of Georgia."

One of the issues at the heart of the trial was Georgia's "exact match" policy, whereby the information on a voter registration application must comport with the records kept by Georgia's Department of Driver Services or the Social Security Administration.

In the event that there is not a match, the applicant is notified by letter from the county board of registrars that the application has been assigned a pending status. The application can be completed thereafter by way of the applicant providing sufficient evidence they are who they claim to be.

Abrams' group claimed that this requirement disproportionately affected minorities and immigrants and violated the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act.

Fair Fight attorney Allegra Lawrence-Hardy advanced the claim that Georgia officials had made it "harder to register, harder to stay registered and ultimately harder to vote" and intimated that requiring voters to have valid documentation on hand was "designed to keep certain people from voting."

In his 288-page decision, Jones stated that the "defendants have a compelling interest in preventing voter fraud" and that "the limited burdens placed on voters by Exact Match citizen verification are justified." Furthermore, Jones indicated that Fair Fight failed to prove the policy violated either the First or 14th Amendments.

According to Josh Belinfante, a lawyer for state election officials, Abrams' group was motivated by a desire to turn Georgia into a blue state. Belinfante indicated that among the over 3,000 stories cited by Fair Fight, only a handful were from persons unable to cast a ballot in the 2018 election. Not one reported having an issue in the 2020 election.

Gov. Brian Kemp said Friday's ruling "exposes this legal effort for what it really is: a tool wielded by a politician hoping to wrongfully weaponize the legal system to further her own political goals."

Although Jones ruled against all the claims brought by Fair Fight, Abrams said in a statement, "The conduct of this trial and preceding cases and legislative actions represent a hard-won victory for voters who have endured long lines, burdensome date of birth requirements and exact match laws that disproportionately impact Black and Brown voters."

\u201cThe conduct of this trial and preceding cases and legislative actions represent a hard-won victory for voters who endured long lines, burdensome date of birth requirements and exact match laws that disproportionately impact Black and Brown voters. 1/\u201d
— Stacey Abrams (@Stacey Abrams) 1664584619

Notwithstanding Abrams' characterization of another loss as a win, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr suggested this rejection "is existential to who Stacey Abrams has become as a public and political figure."

"She put herself in the political spotlight nationally, potentially globally, all over the narrative that she lost the governor's race because of voter suppression," said Carr. "And here you have a federal judge saying, it's all untrue. It didn't happen."

Election denial

In a post-defeat speech on November 16, 2018, Abrams said, "I will not concede because the erosion of our democracy is not right."

Abrams, not opposed to criminal non-citizens voting in local elections, told MSNBC's Katy Tur that "the election was stolen from the people of Georgia."

On November 19, she told MSNBC's Chris Hayes that it was "not a free and fair election."

\u201cAt the #NANCONV2019, @staceyabrams says of her 2018 loss: "We won" \n\n"We had this little election back in 2018. And despite the final tally and the inauguration and the situation we find ourselves in, I do have very affirmative statement to make. We won.\u201d\u201d
— Tom Elliott (@Tom Elliott) 1554318659

Abrams later told the New York Times in 2019 that the "results were purely and fully attributable to voter suppression."

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who contested the results of the 2016 presidential election, was joined by numerous other Democrats, including former Attorney General Eric Holder, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, in reiterating Abrams' claim that the 2018 gubernatorial election had been stolen.

Clinton stumped for Abrams' election-denial narrative at a commemoration of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama, suggesting, "Stacey Abrams should be governor, leading that state right now."

\u201cHillary Clinton goes off on voter suppression efforts: "Candidates both black and white lost their races because they have been deprived of the votes they otherwise would have gotten. And the clearest example is from next door in Georgia. Stacey Abrams should be governor."\u201d
— Kyle Griffin (@Kyle Griffin) 1551639623

Clinton also suggested that "you can run the best campaign, you can even become the nominee, and you can have the election stolen from you."

Kamala Harris stated, "Let's say this loud and clear: Without voter suppression, Stacey Abrams would be the governor of Georgia."

Election reality

It wasn't only U.S. District Judge Steve Jones who has cast doubt on Abrams' allegations of election mismanagement and voter suppression.

The Heritage Foundation noted that "Georgia was in full compliance with requirements of the National Voter Registration Act, which made it easy to register by mail, at the DMV, state public assistance offices, and at numerous other agencies and locations throughout the state."

In fact, it had never "been easier to register to vote in Georgia."

Ahead of the election in which Abrams lost, the state had nearly 7 million registered voters, "the most in Georgia's entire history."

In a 2018 post-election analysis, FiveThirtyEight indicated that voter turnout was "really big." Whereas on average, "roughly 40 percent of eligible voters cast a ballot in a midterm ... an estimated 55% of eligible voters exercised their right to vote, which is about 21 points higher than the state's 1982-2014 average."

As for the 1.4 million voters reportedly taken off the voter rolls between 2012 and 2018, PolitiFact reported, "Many died, moved away or lost their right to vote because they committed felonies." Some were removed because they skipped previous elections and "had no contact with the election officials."

Sherman further noted "that removal policy started in the 1990s under Democratic leadership."

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said, "Stolen election and voter suppression claims by Stacey Abrams were nothing but poll-tested rhetoric not supported by facts and evidence."