College’s silence only foments rumors

The NCAA’s investigation into Chadron State football’s possible fundraising infraction is a serious issue affecting students, staff, and faculty at our school, as well as the Chadron community. Should the investigation result in sanctions, the college will not only suffer a neutered football program, but also stands to lose large sums of money and many current and potential students.

With the possibility of such a grave outlook looming over our heads, CSC students and community members deserve to know more about what the possible violations are and what the consequences might be.

It’s undeniable that Chadron State is thriving owing in part to its athletics offerings—specifically football.

The wall of silence surrounding CSC administrators and NSCS officials is only allowing rumors and speculation to prevail.

The Eagle has published all the information it has been able to gather, but it is not the whole story. It would be unfair for anyone to speculate about who is to blame—especially when nobody really knows what the possible wrongdoings are.

There is already an outpouring of support for Head Football Coach, Bill O’Boyle, both through outspoken citizens’ attitudes and signs posted by residents and businesses around town.

While genuine, the impetus for the show of support seems largely to be the assumption that O’Boyle has been forced to step down, and barred from campus in a prelude to being named as scapegoat for the entire matter.

We on The Eagle staff are proud of our school, but we will continue to strive to find the answers to this issue until administrators and officials are willing to explain their actions. They owe it to the student body and the public to be open and ethical in their leadership. We deserve to know what’s happening.