I see some similaritieys between the situations that Penn State and the Saints are going through.

Both were hit and hit hard by very powerful men. The actions taken by Emmert and Goodell were, despite what they say, unilateral in nature. I mean that Emmert and Goodell made their decisions and said this is my decision, I am the top dog, live with it or suffer the consequences. Both the upper management of Penn State and the Saints have taken the punishment like the good little sheep they are. Both organizations declined to fight the drastic measures imposed on them.

Now here is the ray of hope for Penn State. I just listened to Mike and Mike on ESPN. Cris Carter said that he thinks that the Saints players might win their appeals. His argument is centered on his belief that Goodell is unwilling to be forced to testify in court. Vilma of the Saints has promised to take his case to court if Goodell does not curtail his suspension.

So, could these lawsuits or appeals or whatever in the hell legal term you want to cal them, could the actions of the Paterno family, the "rogue" trustees, and the former players lead towards some sort of reduction in the punishment? We know that the findings of the Freeh report will not hold up in court. Can the NCAA justify their actions in the court of law? Do they have the nuts to defend themselves in court?

So there's some hope... I hope.