Being an ardent football fan, it has been frustrating over the past few seasons to endure the large numbers in the L-column.

As a Penn State student, it has been equally frustrating to see some of the university's good name defaced by the actions of a select few student athletes, but I don't think the university is helping itself with its response to some of these incidents.

The focus of my letter specifically is the circumstance surrounding Dan Connor, because while I don't condone his actions, I think he's being given the raw end of the deal.

Connor missed his third game of the season this weekend because of a few prank phone calls - a misdemeanor offense at best.

I recall two years ago, when Tony Johnson was charged with driving under the influence -- a felony offense, and he only missed two games. Sounds like someone's priorities are a bit out of place to me.

I think the situation would have been much less painful, and probably better rectified if the Office of Judicial Affairs had mandated a public apology from Connor and a little community service instead of all of an indefinite suspension for him.

I'm sure I can walk downtown on any given weekend night and find people doing dumber things than making prank phone calls, so let's not make mountains out of molehills.

Give due punishment where punishment is due, but remember that we all make mistakes, and still deserve second chances.