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MSU position not a good one

It’s a well-known fact many universities are — or have in the past — facing the same kind of charges being leveled against Michigan State University.

That’s not to defend MSU in the latest scandal involving sexual impropriety of some of its athletes over the past decade or so.

But what sets Michigan State apart from most of the others is its connection with convicted sports doctor Larry Nassar and his connection with the U.S. Gymnastics team.

Nassar was a member of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine when most of the offenses took place.

Nassar has already been sentenced to 175 years in prison for his crimes. That is, for all intents and purposes, a life sentence. It’s probably not enough jail time for the nature of his offenses.

Michigan State has already taken some steps to sort out the mess created by the scandal.

It forced president Lou Anna Simon to resign her position. And it did the same to athletic director Mark Hollis.

But MSU is nearly in the same position as Penn State was a few years ago over the Jerry Sandusky mess.

Penn State received several suspensions from the NCAA for its part in the coverup.

Nittany Lions football coaching legend Joe Paterno, who had Sandusky on his coaching staff for a time, was forced out his job for his knowledge of the mess. Many people believe Paterno’s death was prematurely brought on by the whole tragic thing.

There are some parties who believe that MSU men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo and Spartans football coach Mark Dantonio should face the same fate.

An ESPN show, “Spartan Secrets,” aired recently and cast an unfavorable light on both coaches.

The show stated that 16 State football players and five basketball players have had charges lodged against them for sexual misconduct in recent years.

If it is proven that both coaches were aware of the situation, their jobs very well could be in jeopardy.

Personally, I would hate to see that. Both Izzo and Dantonio have done great jobs in East Lansing with their programs.

They’ve tried to bring in athletes of better character. Unfortunately, no coach can read the mind of an individual.

The two coaches deserve the benefit of the doubt.

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