Darren Sharper's Case Study

Darren Mallory Sharper is an ex-professional football player for New Orleans Saints, he is a talented athlete and serial rapist. According to Derrick Williams, the detective that dealt with Sharper’s case, “prosecutors were hesitant to move too quickly on a local football hero with deep pockets and savvy lawyers,” (Williams). Sharper, however, agreed to plead guilty to rape and attempt of rape for four of the nine cases he was accused of in order receive a deal cutting his 20-year sentence down to nine years. Vice Sports editor, Jessica Luther, stated that although, “gathering evidence, compelling Sharper to give a sample of his DNA, that DNA matching the rape kit, video evidence, and witness corroboration... they held off an arrest warrant” (Luther). The reason behind not arresting Sharper was all because the case was not ‘bulletproof’ due to his high status in the United States. Sharper is not the only man who has gotten away with rape as rape is a recurring issue in the United States.
Some members of society would rather victimize a rapist than to protect a victim because it is easier to act as if the issues of sexual harassment, assault and rape do not exist. Women are taught to how to avoid rape, however, young men are not taught how to not rape. The attitudes about these topics are the reason why the term rape culture is real and stronger than ever; from catcalling to slut shaming to being an innocent bystander, if people do not defend a victim they are adding to the problem simply because people begin to believe there is nothing wrong with the