While I believe my intentions were right, I was wrong about the Lettermen and their need to provide a statement to retort Levy's statement about breaking Joepa's leg. I probably should not provide information about this, but the Lettermen are indeed formulating a statement in defense of Joe and admonishing Levy for his comments. I was not off base in suggesting that a statement to Levy could propel this story back into the mainstream and the Lettermen are concerned of just that. I have an email sting from many of the lettermen working through this and considering the best way to handle. What I can say, is that Wally RIchardson has put together a statement......many of the lettermen think it has been too "lawyer-ed" up by the school's attorneys. Wally's statement below:
"I understand your disgust with Levy's comments concerning Joe last week. I believe he was off base and it came out of left field. He did not represent himself well, his alma mater, and his employer.
While I agree with your sentiment concerning Levy, I do not believe the Penn State FLC can make a blanket statement representing all of our members. I think that action, in itself, would be irresponsible. Our current football program is defending not only Joe, but also our current interests by their play and how they are representing our university. Actions have and always will speak louder than words.
Also, please consider that Levy's comments were part of the 24 hour news cycle for a day and a half last week. My belief is that the comment has had its moment in the press. The press has moved on to the next inflammatory item, whatever that may be. By responding to Levy's comments, we bring them back into the spotlight and give credibility to them. That is not something I wish to do. As stated in Article I of the club bylaws: The purpose of the "Penn State Football Letterman's Club" will be to uphold the Penn State Football tradition and promote brotherhood and unity between the University, former football players, and managers. Our club does not need to become a distraction to our current players and coaches. They are on the cusp of doing something special; our efforts should be to continue to support them as we always have. Those are my feelings concerning the matter.
I do believe the Executive Board would be within their rights to support the statement if they choose to do so: Article IV, Section 1, The Executive Board: The Executive Board is empowered to transact the business and administer the affairs of the Club within the tenets of this Constitution and its by-laws, subject to the ultimate control of the membership. In practice, these powers shall be delegated to the officers of the Club, the President, the Vice-President, and the Secretary-Treasurer, who shall responsible to the entire Board and the membership for the efficient conduct of the affairs of the club."
"I understand your disgust with Levy's comments concerning Joe last week. I believe he was off base and it came out of left field. He did not represent himself well, his alma mater, and his employer.
While I agree with your sentiment concerning Levy, I do not believe the Penn State FLC can make a blanket statement representing all of our members. I think that action, in itself, would be irresponsible. Our current football program is defending not only Joe, but also our current interests by their play and how they are representing our university. Actions have and always will speak louder than words.
Also, please consider that Levy's comments were part of the 24 hour news cycle for a day and a half last week. My belief is that the comment has had its moment in the press. The press has moved on to the next inflammatory item, whatever that may be. By responding to Levy's comments, we bring them back into the spotlight and give credibility to them. That is not something I wish to do. As stated in Article I of the club bylaws: The purpose of the "Penn State Football Letterman's Club" will be to uphold the Penn State Football tradition and promote brotherhood and unity between the University, former football players, and managers. Our club does not need to become a distraction to our current players and coaches. They are on the cusp of doing something special; our efforts should be to continue to support them as we always have. Those are my feelings concerning the matter.
I do believe the Executive Board would be within their rights to support the statement if they choose to do so: Article IV, Section 1, The Executive Board: The Executive Board is empowered to transact the business and administer the affairs of the Club within the tenets of this Constitution and its by-laws, subject to the ultimate control of the membership. In practice, these powers shall be delegated to the officers of the Club, the President, the Vice-President, and the Secretary-Treasurer, who shall responsible to the entire Board and the membership for the efficient conduct of the affairs of the club."
