I'm a huge Tennessee Vol fan, have several relatives who are current UTK undergrads, quite a few who are graduates -- and one cousin (and a friend) who are alums of this actual Pike chapter. This is an embarrassment to the university, to Greek Life and to Pi Kappa Alpha International. UTK just won a contest to have the Today Show broadcast live from campus on October 1st -- nice timing, not.
Not surprisingly, this has gone internationally viral. The guy who was taken to the hospital has had his name and picture plastered all over the web. I've always heard the best way to handle a viral situation is to just let the news die....but I have to wonder if this guy's name will ever completely fade away, or if he's going to be branded for a long time with nicknames I have seen today but won't repeat here. Also, some potential employers Google job applicants to see what comes up. That may not bode well for this guy when he graduates. So...if you were his parents, would you encourage him to change his name? Not trying to be funny here...just wondering what would you do if your kid's name was linked to this act of extreme disgust and stupidity, one that could haunt him for a long time and well past the day when he finally grows up and might want to live like a mature, responsible adult.
Also, some reports say the UTK police don't think hazing was involved, but are investigating the possibility. Suppose it's proven that it was. I guess that would takes this to a whole new level and criminal charges could be filed, up to sexual assault? If so, the guys who did the hazing might be joining a new fraternity called Tau Sigma Pi -- Tennessee State Pen. This could get very, very, very serious. Even if it's not hazing...if there were guys present who were 21, could they be charged with reckless endangerment of a minor(s)?
These guys rank as the dumbest college boys I believe I've ever heard about. Thanks for embarrassing UTK...and I know my cousin and friend really appreciate how they sullied THEIR fraternity and will likely cause them to be kicked off campus.
