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Penn State and the NCAA

Posted on by Brian Lee

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.

Sore loser

Posted on by Brian Lee

Please note, this is not a post about which side of the political aisle is better than the other.

Today, democrat John Lehman was sworn in as a state senator in Wisconsin. His opponent, Van Wanggaard, lost in a recall election last month but ordered a recall and then cried foul about the voting process.

In an op-ed titled “Why I asked for a recount,” Wanggaard claims “suspect activities at polling places” and “many (laws to prevent fraud) were disregarded,” among other allegations. However, he doesn’t provide any evidence, leading the GAB to dismiss his allegations.

This is a clear case of being a sore loser. What I don’t understand is why would he make up excuses? This only damages his reputation. Wanggaard obviously did not receive sound counsel on this matter.

Like other candidates who lose, he should have gracefully accepted defeat and vowed to keep fighting for the people. Who can trust him going forward after he’s shown he’s willing to lie to the world? That’s what I would tell my client.

Why We Love The Olympics

Posted on by Brian Lee

It’s my favorite time of year. Or, should I say, four years.

The summer Olympics are right around the corner, and I already can’t seem to pull myself away from the TV.  Every night for the last few weeks I have faithfully sat down to watch the Olympic trials, and I’m pleased to say I’m not disappointed.  Every athlete I’ve seen looks fantastic, and I can’t wait to see how Team USA looks in London.

I’m one of those crazies that watches as much Olympic coverage as I can get my hands on. Women’s gymnastics? It’s a personal favorite, so you can bet I scheduled my night around watching it. Men’s swimming? Obviously. Badminton, trampolining or the modern pentathlon? I mean, sure, might as well.

But as much as I love watching the amazing athletic skills that the Olympics offer, what I love even more is the atmosphere, the feeling surrounding the Olympic Games. It’s a feeling of hope, optimism, and pride that cynics and realists like myself rarely experience in life.

At risk of sounding cliché, these athletes represent the pride, hopes, and success of our country.  In watching them, you forge this connection with them and with everyone who is cheering them on. You cease to become an individual watching the coverage and instead become a part of something bigger.

I’ll never forget during the Beijing Olympics in 2008 when the U.S. Men’s 4×100 Freestyle Relay team beat out the French for the Gold. I remember being gathered around the TV, cheering for Team USA, who was expected to get Silver, and then being absolutely elated when we witnessed one of the most amazing comebacks and wins in recent memory.

It’s moments like that which are why we love the Olympics, and why, come July 27th, I guarantee you will find me glued to my TV.