The thing that “Big Phil” fails to recognize is that if his son (Phil) had the off-field reputation of Tony Davis or Sean Lee and a better work ethic in the classroom as well as in practice he would be well on his way. Likely a Junior starting DT at Penn State, likely a candidate for early entry into the NFL draft rather than sticking around as a senior. Instead he is an NFL caliber DT that likes to use his 3:1 size advantage off the field.

If he was more concerned with hanging out & having fun rather than having heart, dedication and desire for his university, coaches, team & teammates than he deserves what he got. If he isn’t going to take his future into his own hands and do right by those supporting him, and not embarrass himself or the HC than nobody else should concern themselves either.

This kid was one of my favorite players on the team and the father/son combo is ripping on Penn State & Joe Paterno because Joe got sick and tired of handing the kid his future back after he crumpled it up numerous times and threw it away. Is it so hard to not be an “enforcer” off the field, hope it was worth it…I’m sure you impressed when you stepped in and mixed it up.

I think his dad should just STFU and instill some discipline, honor and integrity in Phil before he becomes a sad statistic or wastes his vast potential. Phil EASILY, EASILY could have had 1 or 2 (possibly more) incidents in which he could have had legal trouble on his hands had it came to that. Count your blessing, and be thankful that you even have D1A schools interested and don’t screw that up as well because if you do then you’ll just prove all along that Joe made the right decision, problem is he made it too late.

Concerning the OTL story (I haven’t watched it yet; I was traveling home from Michigan but a friend of mine taped it and I’ll get to see it in a month), there are several points to ponder, and we’ll start with the obvious:

1. How in the hell did JoePa send a text message to the team? Seriously, do you think
he knows how to send a text? I don’t think he does. My wife can’t. And even if Joe
knew how to, do you think he could see it? Remember those thick glasses.

2. Personally, I don’t see Joe as being the type to give a shit about what people think.
I think Baker and Taylor fucked up yet again, and Joe had finally had enough. And if
Chris Bell was supposed to be enrolling at Norfolk State (or whatever school it is),
why was that creep still in State College? And if he’s such bad news, why were Baker
and Taylor still hanging around with him? Keeping it real? I don’t see Joe promising
them to work hard to be reinstated, and then arbitrarily changing his mind.

3. As for Phil Taylor’s dad, fuck him. If he would’ve whipped his son’s ass after the first
fight instead of claiming the poor innocent victim route, maybe his boy wouldn’t be on
the outside looking in. But that’s what happens with a lot of these coddled, spoiled
little bastards that show atheletic potential from the time their young. Their parents
see huge paychecks coming and that’s all they think about. Forget about teaching
values, morals, self-control, discipline. Whether you like it or not, Phil Taylor,
discipline, dedication, and sacrifice have to be your best friends if you want to excel.

4. We, the fans, should not panic about this latest episode. I mean, it’s not as if
somebody new screwed up. Just the same couple of idiots. It’s not like it was AQ,
Clark, Royster, or somebody new slipped up. Just the same pathetic trouble makers.

5. Stephen A(sshole) Smith is just that. The University of Penn State? How stupid is he,
yet ESPN deems him knowledgeable enough to go on TV and rant. Shit, I could do
what he does, and be more credible doing it.

6. And lastly, I’m starting to dislike Spanier. I think he wants Joe out, period. I think
Spanier is an egomaniac who thinks that he should be the voice and the face of
The Pennsylvania State University (take that, Stephen A. Smiff [Yeah, I typed it like that
on purpose}), and not the football coach. Remember, it was the football teams’
success that gave our university the publicity it needed to grow and thrive. I see
Spanier having his own succession plan in place for Joe, and it being about as
screwed up as the way he left Nebraska. Look at Nebraska now. They’re still
mediocre. Yeah, I know I criticize Joe, but I feel I (as well as any other Penn State fan
and season ticket holder) can because he’s ours. It’s like you can berate your wife,
girlfriend, kids, or mother because they’re yours, but nobody else can. Personally, I
think the Nittany Lion Club should form a committee and demand to be somewhat
involved in the search for a new coach. I mean, we all have a lot of money invested in
this as well. I see Spanier hiring an outsider not because he’s the best candidate,
but out of spite towards Joe to try to diminish Joe’s connection with the school and
his legacy.