Scirrotto Speaks!

The Collegian spoke with Anthony Scirrotto and he spoke about the resolution of his criminal proceedings.

"I'm real happy," Scirrotto said, waiting his turn in the tiny rectangular room with a few others around him. "It's a lot of stress off my shoulders. Now I can move on with my life and try to gain the respect that I had before this whole incident occurred."

I'm sure it was. We're all glad it's over too.

On how he handled himself during the season:

"I basically became a hermit," Scirrotto said. "You know, it's college and there's people having fun that aren't really in the right mindset, so anything can happen, whether you provoke it or not. I have just been staying out of those types of situations."

See, this makes me feel bad for Anthony. I went to PSU and lets just say that I had an awesome 4 years. I never had any legal trouble but it does show you the intense scrutiny these kids are under. It is also quite clear that football is extremely important to Scirrotto and he did the right thing and has been laying low for almost a year. Other players, Baker I am looking in your direction, could learn from how Anthony handled himself after finding himself in trouble.

The article goes on to say that #7 felt better prepared in 2006 than he did in 2007 and basically attributes that to the criminal proceedings. Imagine an even more experienced, better prepared, bigger, stronger, Scirrotto prowling the defensive backfield in '08. That is something to get excited about!

The Scirrotto Chapter of the 2007 Spring Fight Is Closed

Anthnoy Scirrotto has taken a plea deal. He has plead guilty to Defiant Trespass, a misdemeanor, for his role in an off-campus fight last April. All it took was 10 months and one full season to resolve these charges. If you want all the gritty details you can check out the CDT and the Collegian.

I am compelled to show some love to RUTS who completely beat me to this story.

The only question left is how will Joe react to #7 actually pleading guilty to a crime. I really don't know that Joe will do. I'm sure he has known what Scirrotto's involvement was for quite some time and that this probably won't lead to any further serious Paterno-related-repercussions. But still. Could Joe nail him with something?

Over at RUTS he rails against the prosecutors in this case for bringing. This is completely fair and deserved. However, lets not leave the defense attorney's out of this. Check out what McGlaughlin, Scirrotto's attorney, had to say about this:

"I struggled, quite honestly -- I struggled with entering a plea," McGlaughlin told Centre County Judge Bradley P. Lunsford. "I still think this is an appropriate ARD case. I respect Mr. [Michael] Madeira's decision, but I disagree with that decision forever and a day."

I don't think he struggled with anything. He did a great job for Anthony. He got several extremely serious felony charges dropped down to a minor misdemeanor in which his client will pay a fine and do some community service. He did a great job but I don't think there was even a little bit of struggling with this offer.

Congrats Anthony! You beat the man!

NOW STAY OUT OF TROUBLE AND HIT THEM WEIGHTS!

GO STATE!

Scirrotto To Plead Guilty

The CDT is reporting that Anthony Scirrotto will plead guilty as early as next week. The article doesn't come right out and tell you the terms of the agreement but apparently Scirrotto admitted to the trespass charge when he uttered:

"Scirrotto admitted to going inside knowing he was not permitted to do so, police said."

Though, there seems to be little evidence that big #7 actually assaulted anybody. Odd's are he will probably plead guilty to Criminal trespass and any other charges will be dismissed.

The bigger question is: What affect will this have on his eligibility to play and what will Joe respond with?

Scirrotto didn't miss a minute of playing time because of the charges but will it be different if he admits guilt to a crime? Will Joe suspend him? Temporarily banish him, a la Baker, Bowman, et al?

The defensive backfield is already starting to look pretty skimpy with King going pro and last year's transfers. If Scirrotto faces serious discipline the backfield could be a major problem for PSU in the fall.

GO STATE! STAY OUT OF TROUBLE!

Trials Joined, Baker Could Be Jailed

There is another chapter of the Baker, Bowman saga unfolding this week. The CDT is reporting that the trials have been joined for the two wayward ex-players. So they will both be tried in the same proceeding. This gives the prosecution a number of advantages, particularly with regards to statements either of the players may have made.

Also, Baker will appear in court again on Friday where the judge will hear arguments to reject his bail. As you may remember, Baker was out on bail for his involvement in the PSU player brawl from the Meridian apartments last April. As he is now facing more felony charges he allegedly committed while on felony release, his likelihood of remaining a free man seems slim.

Nothing beats an update on criminal proceedings in Happy Valley. Sigh.

GO STATE! STAY OUT OF TROUBLE!

Ohio St. Youtube Fan Attack: The Final Fallout

The criminal punishments have finally sorted themselves out in the Fan attack at Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity at PSU. You might remember this one. It is where a bunch of feckless douchebags attacked a couple of Ohio St. fans, video taped it, and then posted it on the internet. Well, all the parties involved finally got their comeuppance, The Collegian has the story.

Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, 417 E. Prospect Ave., paid $327 in fines and various court costs on Monday for the disorderly conduct citation police issued the chapter on Nov. 1.

This seems reasonable to me. It is clear that not only was this attack the acts of only a few douchebags but also one cannot fine a frat thousands of dollars for a fight on their premises. If you did there wouldn't be any more fraternities anywhere.

Richard Eisenberger, 20, of Easton, was the most visible person in the video and could be seen throwing an open beer can at an Ohio State University fan at close range. Eisenberger, a student at the University of Pittsburgh, was charged with disorderly conduct and harassment. His fines for the two citations totaled $537, which he paid on Nov. 15.

This guy is obviously the head turd in charge of general ass-holishness. $537 dollars seems fine. I don't really care. Because for the rest of this guy's life a Google search will turn up hundreds of articles about what a dick (Richard) this guy is. Imagine the interviews:

Boss: Mr. Eisenberger have a seat. Please tell us why you think you are qualified to be a junior analyst here at Merrill Lynch?
Eisenberger: Well, sir, I graduated from Pittsburgh University with a degree in....
Boss: hahahaha...I'm sorry. Go ahead.
Eisenberger: Like I was saying; I graduated from...
Boss: Ok, that's enough. Why did you attack those guys from Ohio State?
Eisenberger: (silence)
Boss: Well. Thanks for your time.
Eisenberger: Did I get the job?
Boss: HAHHAHAHAHAHAH, Lord no.

That's your fallout!

GO STATE! STAY CLASSY! BEAT THE AGGIES!

HUB FIGHT: The Probable Cause Affidavit

If you want to get all the details surrounding the hub fight first hand than you can binge yourself on the affidavit itself! Find it here. It is a little gory, bleeding and oozing are prominently featured.

Classy.

GO STATE! BEAT SPARTY!

Again With The Felonies?

So, remember that little Hub Braw? You do? Oh, good. Charges have been filed. Please check out RUTS for a better post than this.

It is good to see that Chris Baker has picked up a second Felony assault charge in the same year! Kudos! Success (at criminal acts!) with honor! Hooray! Damn your oily hides for, ruining every good Criminoles joke, knocking me (not off of my once high horse) but now into the mud!

Are there any fans who need to be/haven't yet been assaulted by the Penn State University in some way? Because Chris Baker or the PIKE fraternity should be able to hook you up! SHIT YEAH!

AWESOME!

GO STATE! BEAT SPARTY! AVOID LEGAL TROUBLES!

Reactions To The Video

By now everyone has seen the video which is racing around the internet which depicts several Penn State fans assaulting some unsuspecting Ohio St. fans at a party. I am not going to repost what I believe is a shameful, despicable, reprehensible video, however, if you really want to see it you can find it here.
Since the video really started to make the rounds there has been only a little done. The Collegian has a good article which basically identifies the people who have brought nothing but shame to the Penn State community. Apparently, the video was posted under the Youtube account belonging to Pi Kappa Alpha Vice President Gaetano Sacco. Not surprisingly, neither he nor the Fraternity President had any comment.
Now that we know some of the names of the people involved lets keep this investigation rolling forward! This sort of behavior will not be tolerated in civilized society let alone at an institution of higher learning! For shame, Pi Kappa Alpha! For Shame, Gaetano Sacco! You ARE NOT Penn State.

GO STATE! STAY CLASSY! BEAT PURDUE!

New Trial Date for Players

With all the excitement of the Michigan game this weekend it is easy to forget that Scirrotto and Baker are still facing criminal charges. However, Post-Gazette is reporting that the trial date has been pushed back to December.

As far as implications for football go, it pushes the distraction back to last the entire season. It also will be weighing on these young men during bowl season.

GO STATE! BEAT MICHIGAN!

CHARGES AGAINST SCIRROTTO DROPPED!

Fight on State is joining WMAJ 1450's reports that the most serious charges against Anthony Scirrotto have been dropped. Two lesser charges are still being considered.

This couldn't have come at a better time for a program battered by misbehavior. Now all Anthnoy needs to do is make it past whatever further punishment Joe and Judicial affairs have up their sleeves.

GO STATE!

Yancich, The Mystery of The Captains, and Trial Update

First, as previously reported, Mike Yancich is coming to play for PSU. He is listed as a 4-star recruit and regarded as the #9 LB prospect in the country (Rivals). Here is what Mike had to say:

"When it came down to it, I'm a linebacker. Penn State is Linebacker U," Yancich said. "So, if you have a dream to play college football at a certain position, I mean, for running back, it's USC, and then for linebacker, it's Penn State.

"To get an offer, a linebacker Penn State offer, it's really worthwhile. Linebacker U is coming after me at linebacker. It's almost unbelievable to think about it."

Hell Yeah!

In more tawdry Penn State news, Scirrotto and Baker's trial got bumped until October. This is basically because prosecutors obtained a ton of information from PSU's Judicial Affairs. Now the prosecutors have to share all of this info with the defense attorneys. The down side of this is that PSU has a busy October schedule (Iowa, Wisconsin, @ Indiana, TOSU) and, if not still suspended, Scirrotto and Baker will probably be unavailable for most of that month.

Finally, there has been much speculation over who will be the 2007 Captains. Well, there still hasn't been an official announcement. However, PSU football is sending Dan Connor (DC-40), Terrell Golden (insert good nickname here), and Anthony Morelli (AMMO) will be accompanying Joe to Chicago for the 36th Annual Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon Festivities in Chicago.
I would bet Dollars to turds that those are PSU's 2007 Captains.

You heard it here first!

GO STATE!

The Story Which Just Won't Die

The spring assault of 2007 is still plaguing Penn State over three months after the incident. The Pittsburgh Tribinue-Review is reporting that the Judicial Affairs investigation grinds ever onward. Also, Joe Paterno's punishment will not affect what JA hands out as punishment. The story reminds us:

Linebacker Dan Connor participated in a series of prank telephone calls in 2005, a summary offense for which he paid a fine. Judicial Affairs hit him with a temporary expulsion that originally was expected to keep him out of five games. He appealed and ended up missing three games to start the 2005 season.

Now, extrapolate that out to having felony charges pending against you for participating, at least to some degree, in an off-campus brawl. The results could be devastating. What if King, for example, is suspended 8 games for his participation in the event, despite the fact that the charges were dropped? That would be a huge blow to Penn State. Many questions remain.

GO STATE! SOLDIER ON!

Joepa Announces Punishment For Off Campus Fight

Joe Paterno announced at a meet-and-greet with fans and media what his position on punishment would be for the "incident" in downtown two months ago.

The Nittany Lions will clean Beaver Stadium on the Sunday's after every home game. Paterno also said all of his players would do several hours of community service.

Paterno issued this as a TEAM punishment for what he called a:

"team embarrassment."

The Lions will be picking up Beaver Stadium after their seven scheduled home games this year. This is not a light punishment. I can't imagine having to go pick up trash the day after you just played Wisconsin or Notre Dame. Also, the lions don't have a bye-week in their schedule anymore. They play twelve games in twelve weeks and now one of their rest days is a trash day. This could also have impact on the player's level of readiness towards the end of the season.
I think that Joe is right, it was a team embarrassment. I also think he has administered a fitting punishment for the team. Hopefully this incident will bring them together as a team instead of just wearing them out.
If you want to see what other folks are saying (sooner and better than I) check out:
BSD
The Nittany Line
EDSBS
ESPN
and PennLive

GO STATE!

Justin King Cleared of Charges

Fight on State is reporting that Justin King was cleared of all charges this morning at his preliminary hearing in Bellefonte, PA. Nittany Nation can breath at least one major sigh of relief as the star cornerback won't be facing ANY criminal charges for the apartment fight on April 1st. This is huge news.
Nobody knows what the program has in store for King in the way of punishment. However, it couldn't be more than a one game suspension (though it might be as little as a "doghouse" stay for Justin).

GO STATE! WHEW!

Paterno's Response to Assault Charges

Joe Paterno, college football legend, has responded to charges being filed against 6 of his players Friday as follows:

Penn State coach Joe Paterno is "very concerned" about felony charges filed this morning against six of his players, he said in a statement this afternoon.

The coaching staff "will determine the appropriate consequence for each player's status on the team when due process has transpired," Paterno's statement read. "Until such time, we will have no further comment regarding the situation."

The cryptic nature of these comments is not unusual for Paterno; who knows what "when due process has transpired" even means!? Could it mean that if the case gets past the preliminary hearing stage the players will be dismissed? Guilty = Dismissed? If it is a guilty that would be required to have the players booted I'd be disappointed in my alma mater's stance on this kind of thing.


The PSU Six
Also, if a guilty plea or verdict is required for the players to be dismissed that could take months to over a year to come about which means that some of the players could graduate or move on to the NFL before the case is finally closed.
In the end, I'm sure Coach Paterno will do the right thing. He has been dealing with incidents like this for over forty years. HIS WISDOM KNOWS NO BOUND!

GO STATE!

Penn State Players Charged

The Collegian is reporting:

The following football players have been charged in connection with an incident that occurred at a downtown apartment party on April 1:

Anthony Scirrotto has been charged with burglary, criminal trespassing, two counts of criminal solicitation, simple assault and harassment.

Chris Baker has been charged with burglary, criminal trespassing, simple assault, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Justin King, Jerome Hayes, Lydell Sargeant and Tyrell Sales have all been charged with criminal trespassing, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Check back for more updates.

Not good news. This is only preliminary news but there are clearly big name players involved and this will be quite a blow to the team.

GO STATE!

Penn State Apartment Fight Update

While this isn't really NEWS the police will be charging and, apparently, arresting 6 Penn State football players for their involvement in the April 1st Incident. The press conference is scheduled to start in....oooh 4 minutes. So more to come.

Penn State Apartment Fight Update

The Patriot News is reporting the announcement on possible charges against football players will be made tomorrow (4/27). This will end the lengthy speculation and guesswork for bloggers and could have a large impact on PSU's high hopes for the '07 season.

GO STATE!

PSU Apartment Fight Update....Sorta

Dan Connor was asked recently about what affect the fight has had on the focus of the team, here is his reply:

No, it hasn't been a distraction at all," Connor said.

Connor called the assault "an unfortunate incident" and said the team has to "see how everything plays out."

"I've been in and out of trouble with Coach Paterno," Connor said. "I think that has helped me a lot."

Now, DC40 is the man, but these aren't the greatest comments of all time. I suppose he means that even though he has been in trouble in the past it and, while regrettable, it has helped him to mature on and off the field.

GO STATE! STAY FOCUSED ON THE FIELD!

Gentlemen, Start Your Boob Jokes!

The Daily Collegian is reporting that the police department has handed over the results of their investigation of the assault to the District Attorney's office. In a stroke of incredible luck, the man commenting on the process the DA's office will take is named Nathan Boob! This basically makes the entire article incredibly funny, especially if you have the intellect of a nine-year-old like me. What Boob (snicker) says is that the charges still could take a while.

"Some investigations take a day, some take a year or more," Boob said. "It's going to depend on specific facts and circumstances of the case."

Hilarious.

One could say, we have a high-profile fight, possibly involving star athletes, and the only comment we have from the DA's office is from a Boob! (uncontrolled snickering)