(Thumbnail Image: New York Daily News)

BY KRYSTA BROWN

LONG: “I am not a perfect man, but this thing, I’m going to fight.” (KMOV)

Atlanta Bishop Eddie Long is still in the hot seat after his long-awaited response to sexual misconduct allegations. Four male members are accusing Long of sexual coercion, including sending unwanted photos. But despite overwhelming support from his congregation, Long’s speech continues to draw widespread criticism.


We’re analyzing coverage from the Prime Writer News, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, HLN and the Huffington Post.

A blogger for Prime Writer News says not many pastors are rushing to Long’s defense, but Dallas Bishop T.D. Jakes cautions the public not to be so quick to judge.

“You can’t make great decisions with poor information. Until you can separate facts from conjecture, there is nothing to say.”

But the Atlanta Journal-Constitution points out it’s the facts that are missing from Long’s long-awaited address.

“... after days of awkward silence, Long could not look the members [of the New Birth Church] in the face and tell them plainly that he was innocent ... he had been counseled by attorneys not to address the facts of the case.”

And as one congregation member told HLN, that’s exactly what was so frustrating about it.

“He really didn’t say anything. It seemed like he avoided the subject and he just said what he wanted to say. I don’t feel like he said anything. I know no more now than I did when I came here.“

But a Huffington Post fashion writer quips, even though Long’s words were vague, his clothes, as usual, spoke volumes.

“Dressed in a pristine, floor skimming, figure hugging, light-hued pastoral gown, Long looked every inch the part of a strong and pure man of God ... His choices are carefully curated to craft the image he wants in each moment: innocent man of God one day ... sexual symbol the next.”

So what do you think? Will the Bishop answer the questions? Or are we in for another Long run-around?