Two Scandals, One Day

Reports of corruption in the officiating ranks of the PAC-12.  And a video tape of what looks like player abuse at Rutgers.  What do these two scandals have in common?

Until the media shined its bright light on them, both Rutgers and the PAC-12 were prepared to brush it all under the carpet.  Isn't that always the way, in college sports?

Unfortunately for both organizations, the media found out, and now the real pressure is on.  The Rutgers A.D. is already re-evaluating his cowardly decision to suspend Rice, mostly trying to save his own bacon.  In a just world, his pink slip would arrive quicker than Ed Rush's.

I don't get how people at Rutgers could look at the video tape from practice and not want to fire Rice.  Does the chase for basketball legitimacy overshadow all reason?  But in the end, it's the Paterno Effect.  Keep everything quiet and hope the story doesn't get out.  Unfortunately for Rutgers, the story got out.

As for Ed Rush, the PAC-12 kind of deserves what they are getting for bringing in an NBA referee.  Rush offered prizes you'd expect in the Showcase Showdown to whoever T-ed up Sean Miller.  The PAC-12 can spin the story any way they want, but if Rush is still in charge next Fall, the legitimacy of the league's officiating will be compromised.  Who watches the watchmen?