November 9th update

Smokin' Joe Frazier loses fight with cancer

• In the ring, Joe Frazier's legendary left hook could beat almost anyone, but a different type of opponent overwhelmed one of the greatest champions in boxing history on Monday as liver cancer unfortunately claimed his life. He was 67.
• Born on January 12th, 1944, Frazier was an Olympic and Heavyweight champion of the world whose professional career lasted for 11 years from 1965 to 1976 (and one comeback fight in 1981), Frazier was undoubtedly known best for his rivalry with Muhammad Ali. After Ali's return from a ban induced by his protest and refusal to partake in the Vietnam War, Ali challenged Frazier's title in 1971. It was dubbed as the "Fight of the Century" because both fighters were undefeated, considered themselves world champions (Ali had been the title holder before his position was vacated due to his ban) and had rabid followings. Frazier won the fight of the century and retained his title but ultimately lost it to George Foreman (although that was the first loss he suffered and it was not until 1973) and then lost his next 2 bouts against Ali including "The Thrilla in Manilla" in 1975. The 2 losses to Ali made up half of the losses all time for Frazier who was 31-4 overall.
• Despite their mutual respect, Ali was a promoter at heart and put on a persona to garner interest in his fights. One of the ways he did this was by mocking his opponents outside of the ring and Frazier was one of his biggest targets. Calling him the white man's hope and an "Uncle Tom," a "gorilla" and mocking his South Carolina upbringing, Ali tormented Frazier in the media during their rivalry and even after their fighting days barbs were frequently exchanged, both from Ali and Frazier. Despite their differences, Ali had nothing but kind words following the sad news.


Scandal Threatens a Legend’s Legacy

• Over the past few days, details of a Grand Jury investigation have been exposed that detail a shocking scandal at Penn State, which is ironically referred to sometimes as "Happy Valley." The basic details: Jerry Sandusky, the long time defensive coordinator of the Penn State football team, is being accused of having sexual relationships with 8 different boys over the span of 15 years, including at least one alleged instance that took place at a Penn State facility.
• A graduate student reported witnessing an incident (we are not going to delve into the particulars, but they are widely available on the internet if you care) including Sandusky and a 10 year old boy in 2002. He reported this to both the Athletic Director and the VP of Business and Finance at PSU, and nothing was done.
• There was a long time when Sandusky was the expected heir apparent to Joe Paterno (JoPa) who is nothing less than a living legend in college sports. This fact is beyond doubt. He is the all time leader in victories in Division 1 College Football history (409 and counting). Paterno and his wife have also given back to Pennsylvania community as the terrific Library and many other buildings on Campus at PSU are named after the Paterno family.
• The full facts remain to be seen but Paterno’s legacy will undoubtedly tarnished to some extent. He has been a mythical figure in that state of Pennsylvania, deified by some the way Bear Bryant was in Alabama. He also obviously held a very special place in the heart of players (an example being Matt Millen's reaction while discussing this) but it’s hard to justify his place in the cover up. If he knew about this for nearly a decade but did nothing to make it public, choosing instead to take action to protect his team, university or legacy, that action is inexcusable.
• As of the time of posting, Paterno is still the coach at PSU. There are calls and rumors that he will be asked to resign, stay tuned for more details as they emerge.