While we're all greatly enjoying Penn State's success this year and the national recognition that comes with it, I'll bet there are a few guys that are watching from afar and wondering "what if?".

Namely, Chris Baker, Phil Taylor, and Chris Bell.

Three players (two likely starters and another expected to see significant playing time) that could have been integral parts of something very special, and had their own abilities showcased by this team's vast exposure, are not. Simply because they would not (or could not) act responsibly, they've relegated themselves to obscure footnote status in a great story that's still being written.

In a way, that's sad. It's also incredibly dumb.

None of these guys got canned for a first offense, which indicates either gross stupidity or severe immaturity. More probably, both. In addition to missing what must be an unimaginable thrill in being involved in this team's run, the amount of money they've cost themselves is potentially staggering. They're losing out on all this only because they had to act like jerks. Repeatedly.

And yet, it's possible that this year's team is as successful as it is BECAUSE these three are no longer around. Maybe they were the proverbial cancer that needed to be excised - the old 'addition by subtraction' formula. Maybe witnessing them get bounced got almost every else's attention focused a little tighter. Almost everyone; the 'pot in the apartment' incident still leaves me shaking my head in disbelief, considering that what happened to the aforementioned trio occurred beforehand. Hopefully, those involved now have a clue; they will not get another chance.  

While I wish the best for Taylor, Baker and Bell in the future, it's difficult for me to muster up much sympathy. Squandering second and third chances to name your own future indicates to me they weren't truly deserving of the first.

Or maybe I'm just a cranky old bastard.