[Papa John]

I grew up in the Midwest. I don't have a lot of childhood memories, but one of them is leaving Mass early with my dad so that we could rush home to watch Notre Dame football highlights with Lindsey Nelson.

Growing up a Roman Catholic in the 1970s, there was an undeniable mythos about Notre Dame. But, for me, cracks in the ND armor first appeared about 20 years ago, with "Under the Tarnished Dome." Sure, the defenders of the faith came out in full force and explained away every alleged discretion and impropriety or, if unable to do so, attacked the accusers. But I've come to the conclusion that ND is not above reproach and is, in fact, no better--and no worse--than many other schools that consider their football program to be an integral part of the school's traditions and history.

I still cheer for Notre Dame against all schools except for Stanford, but the dome is indeed tarnished and Brian Kelly has not really done anything to restore the luster (easy now, Cowboy Indian).

[Papa John]

I grew up in the Midwest. I don't have a lot of childhood memories, but one of them is leaving Mass early with my dad so that we could rush home to watch Notre Dame football highlights with Lindsey Nelson.

Growing up a Roman Catholic in the 1970s, there was an undeniable mythos about Notre Dame. But, for me, cracks in the ND armor first appeared about 20 years ago, with "Under the Tarnished Dome." Sure, the defenders of the faith came out in full force and explained away every alleged discretion and impropriety or, if unable to do so, attacked the accusers. But I've come to the conclusion that ND is not above reproach and is, in fact, no better--and no worse--than many other schools that consider their football program to be an integral part of the school's traditions and history.

I still cheer for Notre Dame against all schools except for Stanford, but the dome is indeed tarnished and Brian Kelly has not really done anything to restore the luster (easy now, Cowboy Indian).