1.

Suit: Real estate agents used Wayne home for sex

Sunday, December 22, 2013 Last updated: Monday December 23, 2013, 5:50 PM BY JOHN PETRICK

A former president of the Passaic County Board of Realtors is accused in a lawsuit of steering potential buyers away from a couples vacant Wayne home so he could use it for "sexual escapades," which were captured on hidden cameras. Richard and Sandra Weiner of Denville have filed suit in state Superior Court in Passaic County alleging breach of trust and fiduciary duties against Coldwell Banker of Madison and Wayne residents, and Coldwell agents, Robert Lindsay and Jeannemarie Phelan. The Weiners are seeking compensatory damages for invasion of privacy, infliction of emotional distress, breach of contract, trespass of land and other civil counts. "Defendants Coldwell and Lindsay were engaged by the Weiners to market and sell their home in Wayne, New Jersey. Instead, Lindsay and Phelan, through Lindsays illegal and dishonest acts, used the Weiners home as their play pad to have sexual relations in the Weiners bedroom, among other places in the home," the suit states. The lawsuit alleges that along with making a duplicate key to the house, Lindsay "intentionally listed the house above market value to avoid Realtor traffic in the home while he and Phelan carried on their trysts." The suit filed Dec. 6 also states: "Worst yet, all of Lindsay and Phelans sexual escapades were recorded on security video cameras located in the Weiners home." Neither Phelan nor Lindsay could be reached at their home phone numbers for comment. In an email Friday, Hal Maxwell, president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in New Jersey and Rockland County, N.Y., said: "Immediately after learning of the allegation of improper behavior at the property by two independent contractors in January 2012, we ceased our affiliation with the agents." "These agents have not listed or sold properties on our behalf since the allegation of misconduct at the home was first reported," Maxwells statement added. "The alleged misconduct at the home does not in any way represent how we conduct business as a company, and certainly is not

reflective of the quality, commitment and integrity of our management or the more than 3,200 sales professionals affiliated with our company. We hold affiliated agents to the highest ethical standards." The suit accuses Coldwell of violating the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of Realtors, which binds Realtors to adhere to the "Golden Rule" of doing business: "Realtors shall not deliberately mislead the owner as to the market value." The code also states, "Realtors shall not use, or permit or enable others to use, listed or managed property on terms and conditions other than those authorized by the owner and seller," according to the suit. The Weiners began working with Lindsay and Coldwell in early 2010, the suit says, when Lindsay repeatedly told them the Wayne home would sell for $650,000. The couple contracted him to list it in December 2011. "On Dec. 27, 2011, the security cameras in the Weiners home captured Lindsay entering the Weiners home at 12:49 p.m. and he was dressed casually. At 12:51 p.m., the security cameras show that Phelan entered the Weiners home and Phelan and Lindsay kissed and hugged in the kitchen. The security cameras further show that at 1:02 p.m., Lindsay and Phelan entered the master bedroom, undressed and proceeded to have sex on the Weiners bed," the suit states. "A while later, the security cameras show Lindsay and Phelan getting dressed." From Dec. 27, 2011, to Jan. 23, 2012, according to the suit, the security cameras captured Lindsay and Phelan making 10 additional visits to the home. "All visits were for sexual encounters," the suit states. "The last visit to the house by Lindsay and Phelan was on Jan. 23, 2012. Sandra Weiner happened to be checking the video cameras feed at the time and saw strange people in the house with what she thought were flashlights. The house was dark at the time. The Weiners called the local police, who then went to the house." "The police opened the door to the house and found Lindsay pulling up his pants," the suit states. "Lindsay lied to police by telling them that he was there to prepare the house for an open house. Instead, Lindsay and Phelan were at the house to have sex." Michelle Perrone-Epstein, chief executive officer for the Passaic County Board of Realtors, said part of her agencys job was to uphold a code of ethics. She was not aware of any action pending involving those named in the suit, but noted that the Passaic County Board of Realtors has no legal authority. She said the New Jersey Real Estate Commission has the authority to revoke real estate agents licenses. It could not be immediately confirmed whether Lindsay and Phelan are still selling real estate.

2. Gifted student, star athlete shot, killed in Newark during fight outside party

By Lisa Rose/The Star-Ledger

An 18-year-old freshman at New Jersey City University was shot and killed in Newark early Saturday morning, possibly trying to break up a fight outside a party, his friends and coach said. Reginald Terry, was shot near the intersection of Washington and Market streets at approximately 1:15 a.m. The party was on Halsey Street nearby, officials said. Investigators are looking into the possibility that Terry was not the shooter's target, said Kathy Carter, a spokeswoman for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. No arrests have been made. Terry, an honors student, graduated from University High School in Newark last June. While attending accelerated classes at University, he played football with the team at Central High School. His coaches described him as a gifted student, an award-winning athlete and a mentor to classmates. "He was a great kid," said Chris Strumolo, assistant football coach at Central. "He was one of the last kids you'd expect to be killed on the street. He was a positive kid and a kid who made a difference. He was all heart. He was one of a kind." Terry broke his leg during a game while he was a senior but he continued attending practices, leaning on crutches and wearing a boot. His nickname was "Goose," a moniker he inherited from his uncle, who played football in Newark during his school days. "At practice, everyone would say, 'Hey, Goose,'" said Julius Montford, head football coach at Central. "Reggie was a leader with his demeanor and his work ethic and his smile. It was nonverbal leadership. He could say so much just through eye contact. He touched a lot of lives without even knowing he touched those lives. Montford said Terry was the recipient of the school's Blue Devils Player of the Year Award in 2013.
"The years that I have been in Newark were somewhat horrible because of all the killings that happen."

"We're going to name that award after him," he said. "It's an award that goes to the player who shows great character and great leadership." Montford said that he initially envisioned Terry as a lineman but the student was determined to make it as a fullback. "He proved us wrong," said Montford. "He worked hard to become a fullback. He said, 'I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna give it my all.' He also bowled on the University High School bowling team. After bowling was over, he'd come to football practice at Central to work out with his teammates."

Montford said that the school still has Terry's jersey and they plan to give it to the teen's grieving mother. "You hear about bad stuff in Newark but no one pays attention to all the good kids," said Montford. "Reggie played football to stay off the street and surround himself with positive things." In a personal statement on a college recruiting website, NCSAsports.org, Terry said that football was his outlet, growing up in a tough city. "Coming from the projects, there are not many people that motivate me to do better or be successful in life," Terry wrote. "The only people that ever motivated me were my family members and the teachers from my school. But the thing that motivates me the most is me trying to get out of Newark. The years that I have been in Newark were somewhat horrible because of all the killings that happen and what my peers do around me. Some do drugs, drink, and do not go to school. But me, I choose not to follow what happens in the society around me. I chose to look at myself in the mirror and say 'I will not be like everyone else' and choose my own destiny to be successful." Carter said Terry's death may have followed an altercation at a nearby party on Saturday morning. The Essex County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers program has offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in connection with the killings of Terry and 21-year-old Altariq Kornegay, who was gunned down on Saturday night, Carter said.

3. Colorado high school shooting victim Claire Davis dies

By Becky Bratu, Staff Writer, NBC News The 17-year-old senior who was in a coma after being shot point-blank at a Colorado high school last week died Saturday with her family at her side, hospital officials said. Claire Esther Davis, a senior at Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colo., was critically injured when student Karl Halverson Pierson, 18, entered the school building on Dec. 13 armed with a shotgun and Molotov cocktail bombs. In a statement posted on the Littleton Adventist Hospital's Facebook page, officials said Claire's injuries "were too severe and the most advanced medical treatments could not prevent this tragic loss of life." The teen passed away at 4:29 p.m. local time (6:29 p.m. ET). "Claires death is immensely heartbreaking for our entire community, our staff and our families," the statement added. Her family thanked the community for its support and asked for privacy as they grieve the death of their daughter.

"Last week was truly a paradox in that we lost our daughter, yet we witnessed the wonderful love that exists in the world through the tremendous outpouring of support we received," read a statement posted by the Davis family on the hospital's Facebook page. The family said they felt "truly blessed" to have been Claire's parents. "The grace, laughter and light she brought to this world will not be extinguished by her death; to the contrary, it will only get stronger," the statement read. Authorities said Pierson's attack lasted just 80 seconds. Officials believe the teen was angry after losing his coveted spot on the debate team. "His intent was evil and his evil intent was to harm multiple individuals," Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson said last week. Upon entering the school, Robinson said, Pierson fired one round down the hallway. He then shot Claire, who just happened to be sitting nearby with a friend as he headed toward the library. Claire suffered severe head trauma, which put her in a coma. Robinson said Claire was an innocent victim who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Claire was known for being outgoing, a good athlete who loved horses and a great student, The Denver Post reported, adding that the teen had recently placed second in an equestrian competition and was a member of the Colorado Hunter Jumper Association. A neighbor told the newspaper Claire was also the best babysitter in the community. "She took care of our 5-year-old," the man, who did not want to be identified, told the Post. "She was well-loved. I believe she wanted to go into nursing I know she had already been accepted to a number of colleges already." Fellow student Avery Griggs, a sophomore, told the newspaper last week that Claire was "one of the nicest people I've met at Arapahoe." "She is amazing and so sweet," Avery told the Post.

4. Husband of pregnant woman wants her off life support

By Elizabeth Landau, CNN (CNN) -- Erick Munoz wants to see his wife's wish fulfilled this holiday season, but it's one that carries ethical and legal challenges: To be taken off of life support. Marlise Munoz, 33, is in serious condition in the intensive care unit at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, hospital officials said. She is unconscious and on a ventilator, her husband told CNN affiliate WFAA, but she wouldn't have wanted her life sustained by a machine.

"We talked about it. We're both paramedics," he told WFAA. "We've seen things out in the field. We both knew that we both didn't want to be on life support." Complicating an already difficult situation is that Munoz is also pregnant, about 18 weeks along, WFAA reported. Texas state law prohibits withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment from a pregnant patient, regardless of her wishes. Patients can indicate their future wishes about medical treatment, in the event that they are unable to communicate them, through forms called advance directives. But in Texas, under the Health and Safety Code, such a form includes the provision "I understand that under Texas law this Directive has no effect if I have been diagnosed as pregnant." Erick Munoz told WFAA doctors said his wife may have suffered a pulmonary embolism, which happens when blood clots travel to the lungs from elsewhere in the body. They do not know how long the baby went without nutrients and oxygen. The hospital would not release specific details about Marlise Munoz's condition, but officials said the hospital would follow Texas law regarding care during pregnancy. "We have a responsibility as a good corporate citizen here in Tarrant County to also provide the highest quality care we can for all of our patients," said J.R. Labbe, vice president of communications and community affairs for JPS Health Network, in a statement. "But at all times, we will follow the law as it is applicable to health care in the state of Texas. And state law here says you cannot withhold or withdraw life sustaining treatment for a pregnant patient. It's that clear." The husband and wife, both paramedics in the Tarrant County area, have a 14-month-old son named Mateo. Erick Munoz and Marlise Munoz's mother did not immediately respond to requests for comment from CNN. Erick Munoz found his wife unconscious on November 26, around 2 a.m. He performed CPR on her and then called 911, WFAA reported. Since that day, the pregnant woman has been on life support, her husband said. Tests have shown that the fetus has a normal heart beat, he said. At 24 weeks, doctors may know more about when the fetus can be taken out, Munoz's family told WFAA. Doctors have also discussed the possibility of taking the fetus to full term. He told WFAA that his wife had said she would not want to be kept alive by machine, and said he has reached "the point where you wish that your wife's body would stop." Munoz wears his wife's pink and blue bracelets on his wrist, WFAA reported. Her wedding ring is on his pinkie.

When Munoz walks in the door, he said his son Mateo is waiting for his mother to show up. "You can see it in his eyes," Munoz said.

5. Al Qaeda: We're sorry about Yemen hospital attack

By Yousuf Basil and Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN (CNN) -- It's something you don't often hear from the leaders of a terrorist group known for violence: We're sorry. But that's just what the head of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula said in a video message Sunday, apologizing for a hospital attack in Sanaa earlier this month that left dozens of people dead. The attackers were directed not to assault the hospital or mosque in an attack against a Yemeni Ministry of Defense compound on December 5, but one fighter made a mistake and attacked the hospital, leader Qassim Al-Raimi says in the video. "We confess to this mistake and fault. We offer our apologies and condolences to the families of the victims," Raimi said in the video, which was published by al Qaeda media outlet AlMalahim. "We did not want your lost ones; we did not target them on purpose. This is not of our religion or our morals." It's unusual to see "such a direct, fast, public apology" from al Qaeda, CNN National Security Analyst Peter Bergen said. "Al Qaeda leaders seem to be waking up to the fact that if they position themselves as the defenders of Muslims, their large-scale killing of Muslim civilians needs to stop," Bergen said. The apology comes after Yemeni government officials released surveillance video showing the hospital under attack. The surveillance footage showed patients nervously looking out of the hospital windows, then running after an explosion. In another clip, patients and staff huddle in a hallway. They watch as an attacker walks calmly toward them, activates an explosive and lobs it in their direction. "We saw what the Yemeni channel broadcast: a gunman entering a hospital . ... We did not order him to do so, and we are not pleased with what he did," Raimi said. "Moreover, it wronged us and pained us, because we do not fight in this manner."

The U.S. government has designated al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula as a foreign terrorist organization and says the group has orchestrated "numerous high-profile terrorist attacks." Sunday's apology, though rare, isn't the first time al Qaeda or its affiliates have apologized. In November, Syrian rebels with al Qaeda ties apologized for mistakenly beheading a wounded rebel fighter after assuming he supported Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. In 2009, an al Qaeda spokesman released a video message offering condolences to "unintended Muslim victims" killed in attacks. And in 2007, Bergen said, former al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden said that Muslim victims killed by al Qaeda in Iraq "are not the intended targets." Behind the scenes, Bergen said, leaders of the group have expressed concerns about the impact such attacks would have on the group's reputation. "We know from the documents recovered at the bin Laden compound in Abbottabad by U.S. Navy SEALS in May 2011, al Qaeda's leaders were often writing to each other privately and also to groups they are associated with about the need to minimize civilian (Muslim) casualties and often wrote about the damage to the al Qaeda brand that killing civilians had achieved by al Qaeda operations in Iraq," Bergen said. "But the straightforward public apology ... is a new development." In Sunday's message, Raimi said the group would financially compensate families of victims in the hospital attack. But the militant leader also stressed that the group's fighters wouldn't shy away from going after targets that have ties to American drones. That's why they hit the Defense Ministry compound that day, he said. Since the attack, Yemeni government officials have repeatedly stated there are no drone operations based at the compound. Raimi said places that help American drones by spying, providing information or offering intelligence are legitimate targets. "We have a long list of these places. In case they continue, we will continue. We will reach them, because we defend ourselves," he said. "We made a mistake. We accept responsibility and we are continuing with our Jihad."

6. Dennis Rodman leaves North Korea without meeting Kim Jong Un

By Jaime A. FlorCruz and CY Xu, CNN

Beijing (CNN) -- Flamboyant former NBA star Dennis Rodman left North Korea without meeting the country's leader Kim Jong Un but praised the local basketball players he trained there. "They are awesome," Rodman told CNN while in transit at Beijing Capital International Airport on Monday. Rodman started his third visit to North Korea last week, spending four days in the isolated nation to assist setting up an exhibition game featuring North Korean players and a dozen NBA veteran players whose identities have not yet been announced. The friendly game is planned for Kim Jong Un's birthday on January 8. Rodman's latest round of "basketball diplomacy" came less than a week after North Korea announced the dramatic purge and execution of Kim's uncle, Jang Song Thaek, North Korea's No. 2 leader. Jang's reported execution has caused confusion and uncertainty about what's going on in North Korea and worsened its tense relations with South Korea and the United States. Rodman struck up an unlikely friendship with the young Kim when he traveled to North Korea for the first time in February. That time he brought a team of Harlem Globetrotters for an exhibition game watched by Kim, who is a basketball fan. Kim later met and dined with the eccentric basketball star, and Rodman told his host he "had a friend for life." This time around, however, there was no meeting with Kim. "No, I'm not worried about it. I'll see him again," the 52-year-old Rodman told CNN, adding that his goal was to try out the local players and prepare for the game. "I will be coming back in another week." Rodman has described Kim as a "very good guy" in the past despite international condemnation of the country's human rights record. The former Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls star has avoided commenting on the human rights issue, telling the Associated Press he goes to North Korea "just to do a basketball game and have some fun." Rodman's latest trip was sponsored by Paddy Power, but the online betting company later withdrew its connection to Rodman. "We reviewed the project and, with the benefit of hindsight, recognized that we got this one wrong and so have decided to remove our name from the event," Paddy Power said.

"It's a response to the worldwide scrutiny and condemnation of the North Korean regime in recent weeks, which has resulted in us changing our mind. We will of course be honoring all our contractual commitments to Dennis Rodman and his team." Earlier this month, Rory Scott, a Paddy Power spokesman, said that the trip was nonpolitical, but was intended "to prove once again that sport has the power to rise above all issues." Rodman was criticized for his first trip during a period of political turmoil when North Korea was threatening missile strikes on the United States, South Korea and Japan.

7. Aaron Hernandez Lawyers Fear Media 'Poisoned' Jury Pool

By MICHELE McPHEE

Former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez appeared in court today to hear his attorneys argue that media coverage of the case has potentially "poisoned" the jury pool before the ex-NFL player's upcoming murder trial. Hernandez, 23, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the execution-style slaying of his friend, semipro football player Odin Lloyd, 27. Hernandez has pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail in a Bristol County, Mass., lockup since his arrest in June. The former NFL standout sat at the defense table today in a black suit, his handcuffs removed, as defense attorney Michael Fee argued that prosecutors have leaked prejudicial stories that could impede his right to a fair trial. In court papers, Fee argued that the Bristol County District Attorney's office investigators orchestrated a "publicity stunt" when Dolphins center Mike Pouncey was served with a subpoena to appear before a grand jury at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 27, less than an hour after the Patriots defeated Miami. Fee cited a Sports Illustrated report in October that suggested Pouncey, a close friend and former teammate of Hernandez, was subpoenaed in connection with a gun-trafficking investigation and said that it was leaked in violation of a gag order implemented in the case since Hernandez's arraignment. Pouncey and Hernandez were both questioned in connection with 2007 shooting in Gainsville, Fla., though neither was charged, according to police documents obtained by ABC News. "He is entitled to a fair trial, he is entitled to a jury panel that has not been poisoned," Fee argued in front of Superior Court Judge Susan Garsh. Prosecutors not only denied that its investigators were the source but added that the story was inaccurate.

"It's simply not true,'' Bristol County District Attorney William McCauley told the court. "There is no strategy in giving false information to reporters." Pouncey was served with a subpoena, but it was not connected to a gun-trafficking investigation, McCauley told the court. Hernandez's mother and fiance Shayana Jenkins were among the spectators at the Fall River Justice Center. As lawyers for both the government and the former NFL player argued, Hernandez turned around and mouthed "I love you" to his mother, who wiped at tears as Jenkins rubbed her back. Jenkins is also facing criminal charges in the Lloyd case. She was released on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty to perjury charges. Prosecutors said Jenkins lied to the grand jury more than a dozen times about weapons recovered in the home she shared with Hernandez and their toddler daughter. After his arrest in June, the Patriots released Hernandez, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Two Hernandez associates charged as accessories in the murder case, Ernest Wallace, 41, and Carlos Ortiz, 27, have also pleaded not guilty. Lloyd's family and friends has attended every hearing connected to the case wearing buttons emblazoned with the slain victim's face. Lloyd's mother was escorted from the courtroom today crying after she spotted a row of Hernandez supporters -- some wearing Patriots jerseys with his old number 81. They were sporting identical buttons -- with a picture of the former Patriots player. Garsh ruled that she wanted more arguments on the gag order from both sides before Hernandez's next expected court appearance on Feb. 5. When the proceeding was over, the Hernandez supporters gave his mother and Jenkins pins of their own. Before being led out in handcuffs, Hernandez again mouthed "I love you" to the women. His mother responded "Merry Christmas." Outside the court, when asked whether she was upset that Hernandez would not be home for Christmas, she nodded vigorously and began to cry. But Hernandez's legal problems may only be mounting, law enforcement officials said. Investigators have called Hernandez a suspect in an unsolved July 2012 triple shooting in Boston's South End that left two men dead and the third wounded. Investigators are currently presenting evidence to a Suffolk County grand jury in connection with that shooting, according to testimony in open court. Hernandez and his attorneys have not commented on those allegations.

A Massachusetts judge last week put a lien on the Hernandez home, estimated at $1.25 million, after a wrongful death civil lawsuit was filed against him by the family of Odin Lloyd. The suit alleges that Hernandez "maliciously, willfully, wantonly, recklessly or by gross negligence caused Odin Lloyd to suffer personal injuries." That suit seeks unspecified damages.

8. Network quiet amid petitions calling for boycott over 'Duck Dynasty' move
By Breeanna Hare, CNN

(CNN) -- While boycott petitions against "Duck Dynasty" home A&E take off, the network itself is staying quiet. Since its Wednesday decision to "indefinitely" suspend Phil Robertson, one of the stars of its highly rated reality series, A&E has yet to publicly clarify what the future of the show might be, what they'll do with their block of reruns, or even what it really means to be "indefinitely" suspended. The network's lack of communication has done nothing to stem the tide of detractors who strongly disagree with its decision to put Robertson on the bench over remarks quoted in GQ magazine, in which he called homosexuality a sin, citing the Bible. A Change.org petition demanding that Robertson be reinstated and the network issue an apology was steadily climbing toward 100,000 signatures Friday. A separate petition at a website called IStandWithPhil.com makes a similar appeal. Hosted by the online community Faith Driven Consumers, the website helps its members spend their money with companies that fall in line with their spiritual beliefs. The petition on IStandWithPhil.com had surpassed 130,000 signatures by Friday evening. Those who've signed the IStandWithPhil.com petition are asking for their "views (to) be treated with equality and respect in America's rich rainbow of diversity," and for the "network to immediately reinstate Mr. Robertson to 'Duck Dynasty,' and to formally apologize to him, his family, and the millions of viewers who tune in every week, stand by him, and share his worldview." "While the LGBT community may be offended by his opposing viewpoint," that webstite continues, "your rash, discriminatory, and unfair treatment toward Mr. Robertson -- a recognized symbol of the faith community -- is a slap in the face to Faith Driven Consumers and everyday Americans alike." Both websites are urging people not to watch A&E programming in the meantime. So far, the number of petitioners doesn't compare with the millions that "Duck Dynasty" has drawn to A&E -- its fourth-season premiere in August set a record with 11.8 million watching, and the season finale in October brought in 8.4 million -- but those signatures would give any

network exec flop sweat. Especially when the rest of the Robertson family has stoked the fire with a statement that suggests the future of the show might be in jeopardy. "We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm," the family said in a statement. "We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of 'Duck Dynasty.'" According to CNN Senior Media Correspondent Brian Stelter, conventional wisdom in the industry holds that this current disagreement between A&E and the family will resolve itself in time, in part because the two sides benefit so much from being in business with the other. A person with close ties to A&E noted that the Robertson family is under contract, thereby reducing the chances that the family will show up on another channel anytime soon. An A&E executive who spoke to Stelter on condition of anonymity, because the channel was avoiding any new public comments about the controversy, said that conversations with the Robertson family would likely resume after the Christmas holiday. "Everybody just needs to take a breath," the executive said. The A&E executive insisted that there has been no second-guessing at the channel about the decision to suspend Phil Robertson. All of which gives rise to the question: What would happen to A&E were "Duck Dynasty" to go away? This is, after all, the show that helped the network to raise its total viewership 10% this year, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Stelter can't see the Robertsons or A&E wanting to end the televised hunting-business fun so soon, but if it were to happen, it would undoubtedly be a blow to the network, he said. "There's just nothing else on the channel that's nearly as popular as new episodes of 'Duck Dynasty,'" Stelter said. "It would be like AMC losing new episodes of 'The Walking Dead' or like Fox losing 'American Idol.' That's why it is very, very unlikely. The show is hugely important for the channel and for the family. Not just Phil, but the whole family," which, Stelter notes, isn't affected by the suspension. Given that Robertson is "a main character" on the fifth season, which is scheduled to premiere January 15, Stelter believes the increased attention thanks to the uproar might even give "Duck Dynasty" a ratings boost in 2014. But if something were to happen to the show in the long run, then yes, A&E would certainly need to regroup. On the other hand, it's not like the network hasn't bounced back before -- and it's never been a one-show network. Over the past 10 years alone, it's transitioned from being the prime place to find a rerun of "Biography" to the home of the Emmy-winning "Intervention," to the site of reality shows like "Storage Wars" as well as original programming like "Bates Motel."

In October, A&E unveiled a new branding strategy centered around the tagline "Be Original." The campaign, The Hollywood Reporter noted at the time, was scheduled to debut during -- what else? -- a "Duck Dynasty" special on December 11. And yet, as industry trade Variety emphasizes, it is not unusual for a network to make a bold move in severing ties with a controversial figure, no matter how popular. MSNBC bid adieu to Alec Baldwin after the actor fired off another unprintable outburst at a photographer, and the Food Network declined to renew its contract with one of its most well-known personalities, Paula Deen, after she admitted to using the "N" word in the past. A&E itself previously put another fan-favorite reality star, Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman, on hiatus after he used a racial slur. With its response to the "Duck Dynasty" situation, the network "has been able to establish its progressive corporate values, maintain its relationship with advertisers, and not collapse an entire reality show in the process," Variety TV reporter AJ Marechal observes. "The bullet wasn't entirely dodged, but it at least didn't hit a main artery."