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Loading ...College wrestler in gay porn flap transfers
08.28.2008 4:58pm EDT
(Lincoln, Nebraska) One of two University of Nebraska wrestlers dismissed from the team after posing naked for videos and photographs on an Internet gay pornography site has left the school.
The Associated Press reports that Paul Donahoe has transferred to Edinboro University in Pennsylvania.Donahoe and fellow wrestler Kenny Jordan were dropped from the team three days after a blog posted images of them taken from Fratmentv.com, a web site featuring naked or partially clothed male athletes.
The Scarlet Project, a blog that touts itself for reporting “news, scandal and gossip” at the university, posted the pictures online but altered them so that they didn’t show full nudity. The blog reported that they were obtained from an anonymous person.
At the time, assistant athletic director for compliance Josh White said Donahoe and Jordan were declared ineligible because they violated an NCAA rule that prohibits athletes from appearing in pictures for commercial use.
Donahoe won the Big 12 championship at 125 pounds in 2008 and placed third in the NCAA tournament after winning the title the year before.
The NCAA must reinstate Donahoe before he can compete in the future.
A senior, Donahoe, would not be eligible until the second semester Edinboro coach Tim Flynn said in a statement.
Jordan, a junior 133-pounder, was fourth in the Big 12 and failed to place at nationals this past season. He has not indicated if he plans to transfer or remain at the university.
The story’s newsworthiness comes from the way it demonstrates one possible outcome for NCAA athletes who decide to have their pictures taken for commercial use. It is also a good example of how potentially embarassing it could be to pose for a pornographic website while thinking that nobody will even see it or realize who is in the photos. These two guys are probably personally mortified and probably just want to move on with their college life and athletic careers. On the other hand, they both look great without clothes and should feel encouraged by the generally pleased crowd of voyeurs. Atleast they have learned that if all else fails, there is more money to be made with no clothes on. And the scandal can only help in a scenario where either boy embarks on a gay porn career. I wish them both luck in whatever they decide to do.
Someone commented that “This is not a gay issue, this is a policy issue.” I disagree. If this guy had raped a girl or injured someone in a drunken car accident, he would have received a slap on the wrist with a wink. Anyone who’s been around the sports world will confirm that. This is all because he appeared on a gay site. I also don’t think this kid is doomed to a life in porn. Vanessa Williams did some nude pics. The press and “moral” society ripped her apart. But I’d say she not only had the last laugh but is still laughing as her career continues to grow. I just hope this kid gets an agent and PR rep. 90% of the actors in LA would kill to have his looks and his press coverage. Careers are made in this town off this stuff. And kudos to Edinboro University for stepping up and allowing a gifted young athlete to do what he obviously loves.
It seems to be true that this was a violation of the NCAA rules but because of the presumed “gay” factor, it reached proportions that another type of violation may not have generated.Most of the news reporting mistakenly identified the website as gay suggesting that it made the matter somehow more serious. Surely a semester suspension is more than enough punishment for what was a minor error in a young man’s judgment. I feel sorry that the Huskers could not work out some appropriate action and I hope that Paul is able to finish his senior year and wish him all the best.