Archive: July, 2008

Thursday, July 24, 2008
Outside the Lines
CHICAGO – We reported on Monday that ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” had tentatively scheduled to air a segment examining the spate of off-the-field incidents involving criminal charges against Penn State players this Sunday. It appears now the episode is definitely slated for the Sunday 9:30 a.m. show on ESPN and at noon on ESPNEWS. Here are a few interesting quotes from coach Joe Paterno and university president Graham Spanier that will be in the segment:

Paterno on the number of criminal charges against Penn State football players:
  • “Every time a kid steps out of line he gets a little bit more publicity. I’m not condoning any of these things, but I think we got to keep it in perspective.” 
  • “I just think people got to understand that bringing in young kids, 18, 19, 20, you know, they’re not perfect. They’re not angels. They’re very aggressive kids or they wouldn’t be guys who can compete in front of 110,000 people.”

Spanier:
  • “They’re staggering numbers. They’re very high and they shouldn’t be that way.”
  • “It might often be the case that there is an initial overreaction as evidenced by the dismissal of so many charges, but never mind that, it’s still the case that many of those charges have stuck."

Paul Clarke, Penn State professor of labor studies and employment relations, vice-chairman of the Faculty Senate Athletics Committee:
  • “Penn State’s a great university in a lot of respects - outstanding faculty, exceptional students, a great tradition. But this is really a black mark. It diminishes all of us.”

 

Posted by Jeff McLane @ 1:39 PM  Permalink | 5 comments
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Kicking off ...
Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis
CHICAGO -- Welcome to the launch of The Philadelphia Inquirer/philly.com Penn State football blog, titled “Lion Eyes.” This blog will be the place to get your Nittany Lions fix through the eyes of a beat reporter. Enough with the pleasantries …

We’re live at the Big Ten Media Kickoff for the next two days and will provide updates as the days progress. The first bit of news doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Ohio State swept the preseason media awards and was picked to win the conference for the third straight season. Wisconsin was next, followed by Illinois. It’s probably safe to assume Penn State was fourth, but the Big Ten does not release the finishers beyond third place.

As for individual honors, Buckeyes running back Chris “Beanie” Wells was chosen as the Offensive Player of the Year while teammate and linebacker James Laurinaitis was selected as Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight year.

This voter tabbed Laurinaitis but picked Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter as OPotY.

Check back for more.
Posted by Jeff McLane @ 12:45 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
About Joe Juliano
Joe Juliano has been a staff writer for The Inquirer for 20 years, covering college sports, golf and the Penn Relays. He has most enjoyed covering the relays and the Masters.
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