Penn State Scandal: The Rose Bowl Right To Embrace the Nittany Lions

The once-proud Penn State Nittany Lions find themselves in a foreign place. For once, their ability to play in bowl games is being called into question, and it shouldn't be. 

One of the more absurd questions that has come since the Jerry Sandusky scandal broke was whether Penn State should play in the Rose Bowl or any other marquee game at the end of the season. 

That question is ludicrous when you consider what it means, and Rose Bowl officials agree. ESPN reports the Rose Bowl would not turn away Penn State if the school qualifies by winning the Big Ten. 

Chief administrative officer of the Rose Bowl game Kevin Ash stated simply, "Whoever the champions are, we'll welcome with open arms."

As the report asserts, there are many who would find issue with Penn State playing in such a prestigious game following the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse allegations. 

Newly-appointed Penn State president Rod Erickson stated:

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"We'll wait and see at the appropriate time what decision is made. At this point, the expectation would be where they deserve to play, they will play."

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And that is exactly what should happen. The ongoing scandal continues to mire the Penn State campus, but we need to remember that the students and players who represent the University and its proud history are not criminals. 

If the myriad of allegations are found to be true, they would serve to imprison Jerry Sandusky and destroy the reputations of the few who allegedly knew of his crimes. 

It is the few who should be punished, not the students who have already been hit hard with the ongoing scandal that has put a pall on the Nittany Lions they so cherish. 

This team is made up of scores of young men who continue to represent Penn State in an honorable manner amidst turmoil, and it's no easy task. There is no reason they should be kept from a once-in-a-lifetime joy because of one sick individual who has long since retired.

Penn State football players continue to play games that come as a respite for students and alumni who need a break from the storm, and they should never be kept from doing so.