Is Eddie Long Accuser Just A Thief In The Temple Out For Revenge?

With all the details we got yesterday, it seems like there’s more to the Eddie Long accusationsthan first reported.

In statements to the press, Art Franklin, spokeperson for Bishop Eddie Long and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church indicated that the Bishop’s accusers were in it for something more than justice.

“It’s really unfortunate these two men have decided to take this course of action,” Franklin told Ski. “The plaintiffs, these are not innocent victims. …I just caution people to consider the sources and their motives.”

On CNN, Franklin said the plaintiffs were motived by “retaliation” and called it “a shakedown for money.”

The younger of the two defendants suing Bishop Long has tried to get a little more from New Birth and it’s pastor before.

One plaintiff, 20-year-old Maurice Robinson, was arrested in June in connection with a burglary at the church.

This is the same defendant who traveled with Bishop Long to New Zealand for his 18th birthday. Two years before he brought forward his claims.

Meanwhile, high profile supporters of Bishop Long, who runs the largest Baptist church in the country, are making very non-committal statements of support.

Legendary Gospel singer and pastor Marvin Sapp posted his comments via his official Facebook page this morning.