Penn State Football: Celebrate the Seniors on Saturday

Penn State football fans and the news media must allow Penn State’s seniors to celebrate their careers on Saturday against Nebraska.  Yes, the scandal surrounding Penn State’s athletic department is reprehensible, but in no way are the seniors responsible for the acts of a few staff members.

It’s likely the Penn State football program has been struggling to focus with the media circus being on campus this week.  It’s also likely that focus has been diminished by the players’ own reflection of the incident that shocked this nation.

There’s no doubt Nebraska will embarrass Penn State on Saturday.

In a way, Penn State football players are victims of this incident, themselves, though not to the extent or magnitude of one labeled a victim of sexual assault.

The seniors in Happy Valley have worked hard for four or five years to represent their school, their families and their friends.  They’ve looked forward to Saturday with joy for their remarkable football careers as well as with sadness since it will be the last time these players suit up at home.

Saturday is the last time the seniors will walk out onto the field and look up at over 100,000 adoring fans who they’ve tried their best to satisfy on the gridiron.  Many of their parents and family members will escort them onto the field to show their sons their pride for their accomplishments.

Yet, there will be media and fans who can’t leave the scandal alone for a day.  They’ll probe and question and continue to report a scandal that is already widely publicized.  They know no bounds and refuse to show any respect for anyone but themselves and their careers.

Don’t be self-righteous.  Don’t harass.  Don’t be negative. 

On Saturday, they should celebrate the seniors who’ve made Penn State the program they love, afford them the celebration for their accomplishments they rightly deserve and put away their hostilities away until Sunday. 

After all, they’re dealing with the same thoughts and feelings as all of us.  Let them find a bright spot in an otherwise unhappy time in Happy Valley.