Insulting. Yes, Coach Portland, that is how I would term Penn State's decision to host a men's NIT basketball game instead of a women's NCAA berth.

As a loyal fan of both teams over the last four years, even though I attended more men's than women's games this year, I believe that tournament prestige, not money or sex, should determine who gets the home-court advantage and recognition. Sorry guys, but the NIT just doesn't compare to the NCAA.

The reasons given for this decision by our ever-thoughtful administration, are even more disturbing. Athletic Director Tarman's assertion that attendance was the deciding factor is ludicrous.

Remember the Suzie McConnell days when the women's program outdrew the men? Any Penn State basketball team in the NCAA playoff is going to fill Rec Hall's 7,000 seats, or are you doubting the students and alumni as well, Mr. Tarman?

As far as TV goes, the men's game most likely would have been on TV at home or away, bringing in some of your precious money as well as giving fans the choice (Lions on TV, Lady Lions live) we deserve.

Perhaps most distressing about the situation, however, is that Mr. Tarman and Mr. Garbon were willing to allow the possibility of having no home game in order to insure a slot for the men's team if it was needed.

Going into last week's A-10 playoff, I anticipated an NCAA berth for the men's team as well as the women's. Only a tough loss to (the University of Massachusetts) denied the men a probable NCAA berth. Talk about not having faith in our men's program gentlemen.

Being a graduating senior and a resident assistant, I have heard, seen and spoken out against sexism and "money-grubbingism" at Penn State. Never before have I written about it.

However, at this time it really stinks, and both the teams and the fans should be upset. And that, my friends, is the view of one male, who happens to be a die-hard basketball fan.