By Wade Keller, PWTorch editor

The following are key excerpts (bolding added) of a stern commentary published in the Buffalo News by sports columnist Bob DiCesare, who has also recently written columns about Pete Rose (critical of his gambling), Tiger Woods, and Bill Walsh (critical of his failure to promote hiring of black coaches):

-Motivated by self-preservation, the WWE made a ritual sacrifice last week, suspending 11 wrestlers for violation of the company’s wellness policy. This was World Wrestling Entertainment’s way of saying, “See, we’re capable of policing ourselves,” when in fact it can’t, won’t, couldn’t be bothered.

-It was just two months after the death of Guerrero that the WWE feigned concern over the welfare of its wrestlers by instituting its wellness policy. Wrestlers were now subject to scheduled or random tests. Suspensions would start at 30 days for a first-time violation and escalate from there. And the policy was so effective that 18 months later the Albany County DA called with the list of names linked to a single supplier.

-The WWE acknowledges no link between this frightening mortality rate and the use of performance-enhancing substances. But others have taken note. In July, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee asked the WWE to provide information pertaining to its drug and steroid policies, testing procedures and findings. The heat is on, which is why the WWE suddenly appears vigilant and cooperative. A government investigation, still a necessity, could be its own death knell.

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WK ANALYSIS: Good to see someone in the mainstream press "gets it," as I see it. Those are blunt, unapologetic, non-wishy-washy comments - and it's what's needed for WWE to wake up and realize this is a whole new situation for them. This is much more serious than any previous scandal or tragedy. When a sports columnist openly doubts the sincerity of their actions and predicts a potential death knell - and when it's part of a growing awareness in the media, no matter how imperfect, of WWE's approach to dealing with problems - it shows WWE is entering territory previously uncharted. Staying on offense and not considering some good will building defense could be the worst thing for WWE stockholders.

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