Sunday, January 28, 2018

The wicked witch.

Michigan (East Lansing).



No, it isn't funny and quips are a dime a dozen.  As an outsider it isn't how will it affect me or even the campus at all.  They will abide by the laws and opinions.  But what what might be in the future in terms of implications and ramifications?

Lawsuits--that is another thing no one can control.  Everyone's doing it so why don't we.  As if it really represents closure.

Elsewhere, Texas is going investigate the gymnastics ranch.  The entire USA gymnastics board has resigned.  ESPN is showing videos and Michigan State basketball is ranked in the top 5.

The main complaint in terms of Michigan State has been intransigence, secrecy, and a lack of transparency.  The University of Michigan is every bit the same way.

I really don't know what went on with Larry Nassar.  He was an esteemed osteopathic doctor, didn't he treat and heal a lot of people to get to that position?  There must be more than this side of him.  And his wife, family, and all the other organizations he worked with never saw it either for at least 20-some years.  He is convicted and all those charges and victims are now the facts.

The crimes on an individual level are not as bad--as violent, sick, or deadly--as a lot of incidents we see on an everyday basis.  While the promotion and parade of victims was part of the plea agreement it seems the sentence is punishment and the judge could stand to relax too.

In terms of sports and college scandals, what we know so far, it is not as bad as Baylor (over and over players with known problems and religious sanctimony too) or Penn State (everyone in a position to know knew).

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Mark Hollis, former AD, was in it up to his eyeballs and he is gone.  He was responsible for the athletic department and there was clearly an obvious void there.  Many first-hand witnesses and employees have said investigations and results didn't occur.  Higher and broader, Lou Anna Simon is gone too and procedures are certain to be put in place.

Mark Dantonio and Tom Izzo have built everything on toughness, meanness, and associated qualities.  It is something other than complete integrity.  Maybe it something others who are a part of the Michigan State community have now woken-up to. 

How different is a lack of transparency from actual criminal convictions?  Will the culture change?

Everything happening so far is that there is going to be a forced change on entire athletic department.  Which programs are the most visible (and revenue-producing) is obvious.  There will be change and it will be right in the face of Messrs. Izzo and Dantonio.  It is their personality and niche.

What's going to happen when they can't play dirty on and off the field and court?



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