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Son Of Ex-Twins Owner Suspended From Law Practice

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Minneapolis attorney accused of sexually harassing one of his law students has been suspended from practicing law for 90 days, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in an order published Wednesday.

Clark Griffith, the son of former Twins owner Calvin Griffith, must petition for reinstatement after the 90 days.

Griffith, 72, was an adjunct professor at William Mitchell College of Law last year when he was accused of sexually harassing a then-24-year-old student by exposing himself to her and forcing her to touch him. He was also accused of trying to convince the student to recant her statement to authorities.

He entered an Alford plea to a misdemeanor charge of indecent exposure. In an Alford plea, a defendant maintains innocence, but agrees evidence could lead to a conviction.

"I maintained my innocence throughout the whole deal," Griffith told The Associated Press on Wednesday. He said only half the story has been told, and notes that the court agreed to vacate and dismiss the case in July.

When asked about his suspension, Griffith said: "I don't understand the suspension, but the court can do what it wants. Time will pass, and it will end."

Court documents show Griffith planned to argue the contact was consensual, had the case gone to trial.

Justice David Lillehaug dissented, saying Griffith's suspension should be at least six months because a teacher's use of his position of power to sexually harass a law student is "serious misconduct." Lillehaug also said Griffith has not shown remorse.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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