Penn State Scandal: Trending in Sports?

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Matthew Stockwell

As the Penn State scandal moves along, there are smaller-scale (but perhaps equally significant) incidents coming to light involving sports figures and coaches.

It is being reported that an underage sex sting operation in Florida resulted in approximately 40 arrests, including a swim teacher and former PGA Tour Professional Steve Thomas. Thomas was charged with seducing an underage girl, and using a computer to entice a legal guardian or parent to commit sexual acts on an underage girl.  Apparently, Thomas was caught in an operation set up similar to NBC's "To Catch a Predator," where he attempted to meet with a girl he thought was 13. The swimming coach arrested is Bryan Woodward of the Gator Swim Club. Mr. Woodward coached children of various ages since he was hired in 2010.

Also, a former NFL lineman committed suicide this week, as he was about to enter a plea in Oregon to five counts of sexual abuse and one count of luring a minor. According to the District Attorney, the charges involved three victims, all under the age of 14. 

This kind of conduct is not new, but high profile cases such as Penn State will lead to reporting of additional abusive situations. Locally, a Catholic High School coach was recently arrested for videotaping boys in the shower room. Although there was no evidence of any sexual contact, Immaculata High School's Pat Lott was arrested on multiple counts of endangering the welfare of children. A search of Lott's computer allegedly revealed multiple photographs of underage boys in the shower, and a hidden camera was later found in the shower area. 

 

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New York Giant Fan Favorite Dave Meggett Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

Posted on November 11, 2010 by Antonio Irizarry

Former New York Giant, New York Jet, and New England Patriot has been sentenced to 30 years in prison in South Carolina.  Meggett, a former Pro Bowl return man and Super Bowl winner has a has been found guilty of 1st degree criminal sexual misconduct and 1st degree burglary in South Carolina. 

Meggett is being accused of raping a college student in 2009.  Meggett has admitted to having sex with the woman, and has said it was a repayment agreement for a debt.  According to the prosecution, Meggett choked the victim and used physical violence to force the sexual act.  Meggett's attorney, Beattie Butler, told the jury, "Rapists don't ask for condoms, and they don't ask for forgiveness,'.  After nearly 5 hours of deliberation, jurors reached the verdicts and Meggett received his sentence.

Meggett has a troubled past with previous similar incidents in 1990, 1998, 2006, and 2008.  

  • In 1990, Meggett was found not guilty of soliciting sex from an undercover police officer.  
  • In 1998, Meggett was arrested for allegedly assaulting an escort worker in Toronto.  Those charges were dropped.  
  • In 2006, Meggett was formally charged with Second Degree Rape of his girlfriend.  Meggett was convicted of sexual battery and given 2 years of probation in the case.  
  • In 2008, Meggett was charged with third degree criminal sexual conduct of a 17 year old woman who also accused Meggett of rape.  

Meggett's criminal past is extensive, but not as prominent as other troubled New York Giants.  It is unfortunate to see a fan favorite go down like this, but it seems ability to elude the law just like he eluded defenders has caught up to him.  Meggett will attempt to appeal the case, but unless the decision is overturned, it is likely that Meggett will spend the remainder of his life behind bars.  

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