When I made the move from Mountain West powerhouse University of Wyoming to the 11th member of the Big 10, I had prepared myself for everything football related to be bigger, much bigger. Now, I love the Cowboys. I'm typing this post while wearing a Wyoming Football Jersey I just got on eBay cause I had to send Waymon's old jersey back to Wyo. The big news in Cowboy history was beating UCLA 24-21 in thrilling fashion at the 2004 Las Vegas Bowl. But things at Penn State operate at a different level. Pre-season talk around here is about winning the National Championship (the Lions have 2). The recruits here are of a higher caliber. The Pokes have one recruit verbally committed with a rating of 70. Of the 10 verbal commits to Penn State, only 3 have a rating below 70. As I made clear earlier Beaver Stadium is really REALLY big. The coach is Joe freakin Paterno.
However, the off-field issues are also much bigger. Let's review for the folks back home. Since last season ended, Penn State football players (and coaches HAHA) have been involved in the following issues:
Today - Running Back Austin Scott charged with rape, sexual assault, and aggravated indecent assault in connection with an incident last weekend. He was suspended for the Iowa game for a violation of 'team rules.'
Also this week - Head Coach Joe Paterno was involved in some sort of a traffic incident. To me, it seems like it was a pretty hilarious encounter. At least thats the impression I get from the CDT.
Also this week - Several players were reportedly involved in a fight at the Student Union.
Also this week - Two reserve freshmen — punter Ryan Breen and tailback Joe Suhey — were cited by police for underage drinking.
Earlier this season - Tight end Andrew Quarless and backup defensive back Willie Harriott had been suspended by Paterno for a few games after university police cited them for underage drinking.
Last spring - Several players were disciplined after an altercation. Two of the players, safety Anthony Scirrotto and defensive lineman Chris Baker, are scheduled to stand trial in December on related criminal charges. From what I understand, Scirrotto was involved in a fight of some sort, gathered up his boys, and went back for some more. Paterno is currently making the team help clean the stadium after games.
Lets hope the squad can keep their minds on Wisconsin. My final score prediction: 5-3. Winner? Flip a coin. Both teams will get first half field goals and one will get a third quarter safety.
In other news, GO POKES! Let's get it to 5-1 this weekend. Just under 4 hours (10:18 eastern time) till the Rockies start again!
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8 comments:
this is what happens when you have a bunch of immature individuals who have NEVER been held accountable for anything that they have done for their entire lives simply because they can play football (or sing, play basketball, act, etc.).
unfortunately, they believe that they are above the rules of society that the rest of us have to abide by. i think that the oj acquittal made them think that they were bullet proof. however, they are learning differently because people are getting fed up and the legal system seems to be sensing this. just ask vick, lohan, spears, et al.
psu's problems are the same as they are at most all of the colleges of its size.
First I must say Go Pokes and Go Rockies!!!! It is always nice to see the home teams win. As for the leagal issues.... that is why we like the small town life. The big city/school problems are so significant when in a small area the big problem is nosey neighbors...... Not on the sports side of this but on the city side of this....... We have had 2 armed robberies within 15 blocks of our house in the last week.... They still haven't caught the guy who fled (walked slowly) on foot. besides the fact that the robberies were commited at the same time of night and in the same neighborhood the police are saying they don't appear to be related....... But here are the descriptions of both robbers.....The first robbery description.... White male, between 5'9" and 6', wearing a bandana over his face, and a red sweatshirt...... The second robbery description...... White male, between 5'9" and 6', wearing the same colored bandana as in the previous robbery, and wearing a grey sweatshirt......... I see.... No person can own two different colored sweatshirts... It just wouldn't happen.
i don't know what you all are talking about big town, small town, blah blah blah... this kind of crap happens in every town... underage drinking, running stop signs, fights... hey, even in meeteetse, wyoming all that stuff happens. oh, wow, undeage drinking in college? who woulda guessed? the only thing different about these kids is they got caught.
at least the stadium will be clean...
just to update, more details are emerging in the austin scott incident. according to mr. scott, “girls will say that they do not want to have sex, but then they get to your room, things heat up, and they change their mind.”
maybe austin should have decline to comment. full story here: http://www.centredaily.com/news/local/story/232372.html
Is State College considered the big city?
well lindno, it is all pretty relative. state college has a population just under 40,000. that population doubles if you include the surrounding townships. plus there are over 40,000 students.
the biggest towns in wyo - the point of reference for several blog readers - are just over 50,000.
Thanks to the energy boom, Casper is pushing 65,000 at this point and that is as big as it gets in Wyoming. Not really a big city, but for Wyoming it is. Are those 40,000 students all on campus? That is huge........ compared to Laramie. Also, Austin Scott must be a really smart guy..... I am sure his representation loves him for making that comment. What a head shaker.
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