The NCAA made Penn State an offer they couldn’t refuse.
Indeed.
Yet another article I read from the State College paper Monday (see: http://www.centredaily.com/2012/07/23/3270222/community-leaders-we-need-to-start.html) shows a lot of community leaders there still don't get it.
One commissioner was blaming the NCAA for these problems -- which just shows an extended failure for Penn State to accept responsibility -- one of the "fundamental values" specifically covered under NCAA bylaw 2.4 that Penn State badly failed.
Another commissioner claimed they were the ones now "victimized." (Oh, please...Penn State drama queen at-large! I guess they really STILL don't understand that term, "victim!")
* One person quoted claimed it was unfair to blame the "entire community";
* another person claimed it was unfair to blame the "entire university";
* another person claimed it was unfair to punish student-athletes part of the program ... as if the NCAA would ever have the ability to ALWAYS hand down punishments during the exact seasons in which violations occur (what a ridiculous conclusion...to think there would be some perfect tit-for-tat roster alignment re: sanctions...)
Some leaders took on a few lens with some more realistic economic filters...the mayor said: “There are concerns about people coming to our town. I know our businesses all rely on the tourists that come to our games and come to visit Penn State.”
One commissioner added that "the scandal shows the county can’t continue to rely so heavily on the university, and must work to build a 'broader base.'” The Harris Township mgr added: "I think we need to start looking at ways to make State College a town that relies on more than one economic driver.”
Well, NONE of these leaders seemed to be publicly thankful that State College and its surrounding communities just dodged the death penalty...which would have placed them into immediate deep economic waters!