MU Students respond to DGB’s alleged actions

After learning that Columbia police will not pursue charges in a domestic assault and burglary case involving Dorial Green-Beckham, some University of Missouri students speak out about the wide receiver’s alleged actions.

According to a police report, Green-Beckham pushed his way into an apartment at Brookside Townhomes in south Columbia, looking for his girlfriend Sunday morning.

The victims told police Green-Beckham pushed one woman down the stairs during his search and states through text messages the girlfriend claims he dragged her by the neck and hurt her.

But the report states the victims chose to drop charges against the star wide receiver for fear of harassment or property damage.

ABC 17 News talked to students at the Brookside complex about the night of the incident. They said they believe many witnesses are not speaking out against Green-Beckham’s alleged actions because the football team would suffer without DGB and students fear they would be ridiculed if he was kicked off the team.

But some students said they weren’t afraid to speak out against Green-Beckham’s alleged actions because it was wrong.

“I feel like if it was me or my friend, I would be in jail right now,” said MU student Maxwell Middendorf. “Just because he’s an athlete doesn’t mean he can just do what he wants. I think there should be consequences for his actions.”

Middendorf’s roommate said he feels the same way.

“It should have been done differently and I think because he was an athlete, that’s why he’s getting special treatment for it,” said MU student Alex Settlemoir. ” It doesn’t seem fair to the rest of the community.”

Others at the complex were tight lipped about the situation. But most echoed what Assistant Chief Jill Schlude with the Columbia police department said Thursday afternoon; that the victims feared possible harassment from fans.

“I don’t envy that position they’re in, and I do think it’s difficult,” Schlude said. “It’s even more difficult when, let’s face it, if this would have been some regular Mizzou student, we wouldn’t be having this discussion and it probably wouldn’t have gone to that level. But here we are, and that was a decision they had to make.”

ABC 17 News tried reaching out John Beckham, Green-Beckham’s father, but the line was either busy or disconnected. Messages were also left at Hillcrest High School in Springfield where he coaches, but phone calls were not returned.

Right now, Green-Beckham remains on suspension. He is not allowed to participate in any practices or team activities.