Originally Posted by RYou

I think it obvious to all that the term "dismissed" can connote either apositive or a negative result. In fact, the term can be used in positive situation, "the case against the defendant was dismissed", "classes were dismissed". The definition of "dismissed" being, "discharged" or released". It is the contest in which the term is used that infers a negative or positive connotation.

"S/he was dismissed" is non-specific and unqualified, with interpretation by the reader. However, with the PSU wrestling team being the subject of the dismissal, the interpretation by most, if not all readers was clearly negative.

Would have such a negative interpretation had occurred, if not linked to the rumors of issues surrounding Scott? Would an announcement for Platt and Rella, separate from that for Scott had a differenet consequence? Who knows.

The fact remains, Rella, Platt and Scott were released by Sunderland. He/ PSU were in control of those releases, therefore use of the term "dismissed" was accurate, though unfortunately, perceived in a negative sense.

As for lumping all three in a single news release, to do it any other way could single out, one or two of the group. PSU is bound by FERPA and cannot release any details about a specific situation of a student. I think PSU was being careful not infer negativitity on any single student athlete, ergo, the single news release. The wording of the relese left it open to interpretation and much unfair speculation, but PSU was bound to protect itself and the students privacy.