I would like to address the Penn State football players issue and implied slights aimed at the Judicial Affairs Office (JA).

Given Penn State's stellar reputation, I believe any benefit of doubt should rest with the university's handling of the case. Media-savvy elements and editing out-of-context sound bites in a perceived campaign to eviscerate Penn State need vigorous challenging. ESPN's coverage has thrown gasoline on an incendiary event being handled through established protocol.

An assertion that JA is biased toward student-athletes trivializes an ardent effort being put forth to bring this event to a satisfactory conclusion. JA is committed to balancing accountability, firmness, compassion and fairness towards all students who find themselves before it. I make my observation based on experiences I have had supporting errant students who need a second chance after lapses in judgement.

JA facilitates "learning moments," which help students overcome character flaws that would otherwise derail their future success. Students straying from acceptable norms are the exception rather than the rule. Penn State will not tolerate those who might jeopardize its branding. Students on irreversible self-destructive paths should be ejected.

ESPN's assertions are a disservice to all. Penn State has nothing to gain by sweeping things under the rug. They know such actions will eventually return to haunt them. While Judicial Affairs might not always be perceived as getting it right, I can assure you that ethics, integrity and a sense of fairness remain intact.

Judicial Affairs will not defend itself, but I will defend them. Penn State can overcome these issues as they arise without a lot of hyperbole.

Greg Johnson

Penn State Applied Research Laboratory