STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – The eyes of Ohio and the nation are on Steubenville, for opening statements in the rape trial of two Steubenville High School football players.
Ma’lik Richardson and Trent Mays are accused of the drunken attack on a 16-year-old girl last year during a party.
The case has brought embarrassment to the city and even threats to some Big Red football players.
“We had nothing to do with the rape, or whatever happened, you know, they sent us death threats. ‘You guys need to be lined up and shot’,” said one player.
The case gained national attention for the belief by some there’s a cover-up in a community that lives and dies with the high school’s football team.
The incident prompted a series of protests after a video of several teens joking about the incident went viral
Prosecutors lost their bid to try Richmond and Mays, who claim the girl consented, as adults.