With all the great reporting the Mirror did in the "Ohio State scandal," I'm sure the Mirror will do the same justice with North Carolina and all the "major" violations that have been handed to them by the NCAA.
Wait, "North Carolina violations" didn't make the same splash on the front of the Mirror's sports page like Tressel's resignation, or "tattoo-gate?" Well, that's funny because the allegation states: "Seven players in the North Carolina program received more than $27,000 in improper benefits in 2009 and 2010.''
In addition, the NCAA alleged unethical conduct by former tutor Jennifer Wiley for refusing to cooperate with the investigation and providing about $3,500 worth of extra benefits in travel, parking expenses and free tutoring to players.
The funny thing is that the money was given freely. At least with Ohio State the players sold merchandise they earned, and won.
Mirror, long story short, be fair. Take a week or two like you did with Ohio State, and trash North Carolina. Make them the butt of a joke. I bet you won't, and I even dare you to do so. You won't trash North Carolina for violating worse rules than Ohio State did because North Carolina isn't whooping up on Penn State year after year. Your bias suggests that because Ohio State is a perennial winner, that they deserve trashing, and North Carolina deserves a pass because they are a minor school.
Way to go Mirror. Way to show your coward colors.
David Winters
Altoona
Smith also a golf success
In Ken Love's report on two area golf greats in the superintendent's world (Shaffer and Zimmers), it could also be noted that Robert Smith of Everett and a graduate of the Penn State Turf and Ag Equipment Technician Program is the lead technician at Merion Country and was charged with the pristine condition of the golf course via the perfection of all equipment used to keep the turf in U.S. Open condition.
Bill Harshman
University Park
