Attorney Jay Reisinger, who has been hired to represent Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, has issued a statement in which the lawyer expresses confidence in Talib’s innocence -- and disappointment in the media coverage of the situation. “It’s important to note that these charges are only allegations, allegations that Aqib vigorously denies,” Reisinger said, per Jason La Canfora of NFL Network. “Given that the charges are only allegations, we are deeply troubled that certain members of media have jumped to unfair conclusions. Aqib is confident once all facts are known, this matter will be resolved favorably and in an expeditious fashion.”
Well, it’s good to know that Reisinger has extended the since-recorded-time-began streak of lawyers proclaiming the innocence of the criminal defendants they represent.
And while we acknowledge that Talib is entitled to the presumption of innocence in a court of law, the court of public opinion entails no such constitutional protection. Talib has a history of bad behavior, including punching a cab driver and getting into a fight with another first-year player at the Rookie Symposium. Folks naturally are going to be inclined to conclude that he’s guilty as charged or, at a minimum, that he did something he shouldn’t have done in connection with the altercation that, as Talib privately claims, resulted in his mother firing gunshots at Talib’s sister’s boyfriend.
