G-O-P-H-E-R-S… What’s that spell? Scandal!

This week a bomb went off on the east bank of the University of Minnesota.

This week 4 University of Minnesota football players were charged with breaking a variety of laws in conjunction with an incendent that happened several months ago in the University Village on campus.  The allegations state that they took advantage of a UofM coed when she was passed out after a drinking contest that included 8 shots of Vodka. 

It seems like only yesterday that Clem Haskens was patrolling the sidelines at Williams Arena.  We all know what that scandal did to our University.  What will come of this most recent incident?  Will the enthusiasm and hope that Tim Brewster has been selling be dampened because of this most recent case.  A few months ago our snake oil salesman of a coach had us chanting "Rose Bowl".  Will we soon be hoping any kind of bowl?

While the players involved have not been formally convicted of any crime, they have been dismissed from the team.  While I do not believe that this action was necessary, Tim Brewster did this as nothing more than a PR move.  I think that he probably did what he thought was best for his team and the university.  He talks about accountability and a code of conduct.  He hopes that future players might think twice about acting in this manner.  Brewster had the choice of suspending the players or dismissing them altogether.  We saw what he chose.

I wonder whether this could possibly turn into a Duke Lacrosse situation....  What happens if the DNA evidence disappears or the alleged cell phone video doesn't prove anything.  Will these players sporting careers and more importantly their reputation be forever tarnished. 

We have seen what has happened to the Duke Lacrosse players.  The faculty, media (local and national) and sporting community condemned these players because they were the "rich" White kids who raped the black girl.  Will this become a race issue like it did in Raleigh?  Will the community rally behind the alleged victim and condemn the athletes because they are black?

I am not siding with any one side. I am merely playing the devils advocate and questioning the way the UofM handled the situation and raising questions as to what makes this case any different than that of Duke.

Your Thoughts?