Building character at Oklahoma State U

Ethics isn’t just how we behave, it’s what we tolerate. Intolerance of misbehavior is what sets West Point’s Honor Code apart as an example for the world: "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do."

That’s not Oklahoma State University’s honor code. OSU has formally asked the National Collegiate Athletic Association to reinstate their All-American wide receiver, Dez Bryant, who was ruled ineligible indefinitely for lying to an NCAA investigator. The University asked the NCAA to consider "unique circumstances" and hand down a lighter punishment.

The unique circumstances? Here’s Bryant’s explanation: "I just panicked because I was scared and afraid that I was in some kind of trouble."

Sport is supposed to develop character. What kind of character is OSU developing?

The New GM, Starting with a Big Lie

"Chevrolet Volt Expects 230 Mpg In City Driving"

That's the banner at the top of GM's press release for the Chevrolet Volt, its forthcoming plug-in hybrid. Very impressive, but not true. GM expects the Volt to go 40 miles on its battery, during which time its mpg is infinite: it goes 40 miles on no gallons, hence 40/0 = infinite.

So what mileage does the Volt get when traveling beyond the range of its battery? GM isn't saying. They're hiding behind a "draft EPA federal fuel economy methodology for labeling for plug-in electric vehicles." I hope EPA figures out a more useful methodology; meanwhile GM is being deceptive.

Too bad. Lying is always bad, but why lie when the truth about the Volt is remarkable enough. Maybe it's in their DNA?