The Once Proud Game

Image is everything baby? Well, that's how the AP writer Ralph D. Russo describes the recent trend for bizarre college football uniforms that has taken the sport by storm. Actually, he had it right earlier in the piece, "garish." Sadly, it is an all too fitting summation of the shallow, narcissistic, short attention spanned, and frankly bored society we have become. Who can create the next big outrage? Indeed, who can out-Quack the Ducks? Oregon ostensibly being the first and most notable practitioner of this dress-up Sally phenomenon. More disturbing still is fact that the adults entrusted to mold and mentor these young athletes are actually enabling their humiliation while disgracing the great tradition of collegiate football. Can you see Bear Bryant, Bo Schembechler or Ara Parseghian bowing to similar adolescent stunts? These giants of the game were committed to developing football players and men. They not only worked to inspire a passion for excellence and teamwork, they also demanded respect. Respect for teammates, players that had gone before them and for those who would follow. Respect for themselves and respect for the game. If the Nittany Lions ever emerge in Happy Valley sporting pink pearl helmets, metallic sheen shoes and gang banger friendly jerseys (plenty of black please) then we will know that it is time for JoePa to depart. Unfortunately, many of today's coaches, ADs, and likely even University Presidents are less interested in instilling the manly virtues than in selling shoes and t-shirts. I have always loved college football above the NFL because of the passion and tradition. The golden domed helmets, Penn State unadorned, and Tommy Trojan upon his white steed endure the generations. Without tradition, college football becomes a cheap imitation of the professional game with the athletes merely less talented posers vying for 15 second spots on Sportcenter or a brief trend on Twitter. Whoopy-doo, maybe we can paint the Heisman trophy a different color every year too. I have to admit though that I do get some measure of consolation thinking about how these modern day trend setters will someday have to endure doubling over fits of hilarity by their offspring as images of their father are replayed on whatever passes for YouTube in 20 years. Best of success to whomever plays the Ducks this week.