I avoid litigation like the plague, but I do remember the basic tort law concept of “joint and several liability.” As always, Wikipedia has a nice rundown. For example, say A, B, and C together scheme an old woman out of $300K. A court will likely find all 3 individuals jointly and severally liable for the loss. Now, suppose A and B are heroin junkies and effectively judgment-proof, while C is a trust fund baby who robs for kicks. The old woman can collect the full $300K from C, and not just his $100K “share” – because they are jointly and severally liable.
Here is my verdict on last night’s debacle in Greenville – the players, the coaching staff, and the athletic director are all jointly and severally liable. Last night never could have happened if the team had played with any pride to wear the uniform. Last night never could have happened if the coaches had properly prepared and motivated the players. Last night never could have happened if the moronic Lee Fowler hadn’t thought that it was a great idea to kiss Terry Holland’s ass.
But it happened. All are responsible, and 100% so. Pointing fingers at another part of the train wreck is out of the question.