On the surface it may appear to be a bit of a stretch but I can see some similarities in what’s taking place now at Sayreville High School and what happened three years ago at Penn State University. 

Jerry Sandusky and the scoreboard at Sayreville High School
Jerry Sandusky and the scoreboard at Sayreville High School (Sanducky: Patrick Smith/Getty Images. Scoreboard: Dino Flammia, Townsquare Media NJ)
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Sayreville has cancelled the remainder of its football season while a criminal investigation continues into what appears to be serious instances of hazing, intimidation and bullying by upperclassmen in the football program.This is far beyond having freshman carry equipment and if details that have surfaced this week turn out to be true then the actions of some are shocking, horrific and frankly sickening.

There is no need for me to re-hash what happened at Penn State but here is where at least I find the two stories so similar.  Between social media and the presence of working media generalizations are being made which leave the innocent in a position of having to defend themselves against a rush to judgment which demands swift action and punishment.

Residents of Sayreville and especially those near the high school are caught in the media firestorm with everyone looking for tidbits of information to fill their stories and blogs.  Satellite trucks become all-too familiar sights and just about anyone with a strong opinion will find someone who will listen.Radio and TV talk shows have been filled this week with many self-proclaimed experts, including former football coaches who have no real idea what happened at Sayreville but are quick to offer conclusions.Many are demanding the immediate firing of the entire coaching staff as well as others associated with the school district.

At the end of the day I do believe head coach George Najjar and his entire staff will be replaced as the school will need a fresh start but allow the process to play itself out. Just like at Penn State the stain of scandal will impact the football program, school and even community for years to come.Remember in today’s society you are guilty until proven innocent.

Sayreville doesn’t deserve this but they better prepare for a feeding frenzy that will not end anytime soon.  The sharks are in the water, circling and looking to attack.  Penn Staters know what it was like to be nothing but chum. Now it’s your time.

 

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