I’ve read a lot of columns and letters-to-the-editor calling for the NCAA to hand Penn State Athletics the death sentence. I’m against this, because why should the innocent athletes and coaches be punished? That solves absolutely nothing. Imagine your dad committed a crime, but you had to go to jail. Is that fair?
Instead, the Penn State leadership who participated in the cover-up should be–and likely will be–punished. But their punishment is beyond the reach of the NCAA.
The NCAA is making matters worse by not saying anything to the public. Its silence is causing people to reach their own conclusions about what punishment is warranted.
The NCAA should come forward and explain its limitations in this matter. I’ve never been a fan of the NCAA–for example, its supposed focus on academics is a crock–but it isn’t the bad guy here. However, its silence is stupid and baffling.
An organization that doesn’t come out ahead of the public storm only gets battered by it.