Ex-Bear Turns Himself in to Police, Claims Racism

Former Chicago Bears tight end Desmond Clark and his wife, Maria face misdemeanor charges in Vernon Hills stemming from an August incident involving their son at Vernon Hills High School, but their lawyer is claiming the entire situation is “racist” and “completely unfair.”

Clark and his wife turned themselves in on Friday on charges of disorderly conduct, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Maria faces an additional charge of assault.

According to Clark, he and his wife rushed to the school on August 29 after his son called them saying an administrator demeaned him in front of other students. The son was not allowed to perform in a lip-sync competition because of an earlier violation of the school’s conduct. He was not allowed to be recognized for his contribution to the team.

“She told our son, ‘This is an activity for good students who make good decisions.’ He said, ‘Am I a criminal because I made one mistake?’ and she said, ‘If he wants to act like a criminal he can get out,’” Clark told the Sun-Times. At the school, Clark’s wife confronted the administrator, repeatedly asking, “What did you say to my son?’”

An impassioned speech from Clark followed. According to Clark,

I said, ‘Hey, we are so sick and tired of being singled out in this community. My son has been called a n—– repeatedly at school and was told his family hangs from trees — and was treated like a criminal. This needs to stop.’”

Police were called during the incident, but did not arrive. A few days later, Clark and his wife learned they were facing the charges. The former tight end is also barred from school grounds, he he once often played basketball with athletic coaches.

“I think it’s racist,” attorney Frank Avila told the Sun-Times. “I think it’s disparate treatment and completely unfair.”

The attorney said Clark was simply expressing his opinions to the parents, students and administrators and was not creating a disorder. His wife also never intended to hard the administrator she confronted, he said.

Avila was also upset about what he says was the original bond - $25,000 - for the pair. It was eventually lowered to $2,500, of which they posted 10 percent. He said he is considering filing a lawsuit against the school district for allegedly violating his clients’ civil rights.

Although barred from school grounds, Clark was reportedly allowed to walk on the football field for the team’s Senior Day, of which his son was a part of, but only because he agreed to be escorted by the athletic director and leave before the game.

“They’re afraid of him because he’s a big, black man,” Avila said.

more via the Chicago Sun-Times