Hosted by Steve Levy and Stuart Scott, the special included a variety of interviews of ESPN personality’s and ABC affiliates either associated with coach Pa or currently at Penn State, witnessing the shock and mayhem.
Levy almost exclusively handled the interviews and did a phenomenal job asking insightful questions, allowing for unique and impassioned voices and re-articulating the penetrating and thoughtful comments that at times the notably shaken guests couldn’t compose.
With that said, each interviewee was remarkably professional and honest through their response. All the heavy hitters and the PSU alumni working at ESPN gave some perspective with energy and intuition necessary to their position but impressive nonetheless. Although I cannot recall anything truly shocking, nobody toed the party-line and everyone spoke with conviction and adept reflection. Trevor Matich and Matt Millen, I felt, stole the show (although Fowler, Herbie and Rece Davis were customarily polished and proficient) with passion and shrewdness, respectfully.
With his earnest interview with Chris McKendry (no one allows for others to feel like Chris) from the day before in mind, Millen again spoke with heart and body. Unfortunately, I honestly cannot remember any of the specific points he made but his sincerity for justice and clear love for the program was apparent. Millen has completely realigned his reputation since joining the ESPN team as a strong willed and intelligent football mind. His candid and emotional behavior through this ordeal (one he has a number of personal ties to) has only reenforced that.
Trevor Matich approaches his job as a college football analyst with incisive focus and a generous spirit. He approached the Joe Pa story with the same fervor. Again, I cannot specifically recall his positions (embarrassingly so: whereas Millen was most impressive in presence, Matich was in execution) but his report was just as specific and clear as any of his work on blocking schemes and defensive tackles. Although a small position on the College Football Team, Matich’s large personality has quickly positioned him as one of the brightest young contributors on ESPN.
