Color me impressed in blue and white

I have always been very critical of athletes that get special treatment. In professional world and in the collegiate world, I just find it disappointing that it happens time and time again. Now, some people might retort that there are many other types of people that get that kind of privledge -- and yes I know that and yes it still pisses me off. I guess the geek in me that got picked on by the super athletes in high school is still a little bitter. Get over it, I clearly am trying to, though it does not keep me awake at night worrying about it.

I read this article about coach Joe Paterno's creative way to send a message to his Penn State football team. The team was involved in a fight and it was embarrassing according to Paterno. Rightfully so. The kind of mob mentality is what gets to me at times -- even when there is not an organization that holds the mob together. He is making the team clean the stadium after the home games this season. I think it's brilliant. I am sure these DI athletes are afforded some extra privledges, and I think this will be a grounding experience for them.

I admire Paterno for this. Not because its cruel or that I revel in seeing the team do something demeaning (though its hard honest work for many people in this nation, and no where near as degradating as other things in this country). I admire him for wanting to prove to the university, to the athletic community, and to the team itself that they are not the grunting mindless thugs that the incident made them out to be. They can be (and most likely are) better human beings than that.

I just hope the athletes take it seriously and can really reflect on what happened. Show that they can be on an effective team and deserve the attention and heroism they receive by playing a game they love.