We’re told we should apply what we learn in class to everyday situations. Sometimes, this just isn’t possible.

However, this semester in Political Science 406 — a class on public opinion, although it could just as easily be called the anti-media relations course — I actually learned something that has real application possibilities, especially in the current Larry Eustachy debacle.

In “Feeding Frenzy: Attack Journalism and American Politics,” a book we had to read in my class, Larry J. Sabato states: “The news media, print and broadcast, go after a wounded politician like sharks in a feeding frenzy. The wounds may have been self-inflicted … but the journalists now take center stage in the process, creating the news as much as reporting it …”

Nothing as of late has demonstrated this concept like the firestorm that hit when pictures surfaced of Coach Eustachy partying with a group of students from the University of Missouri. The photos show Eustachy drinking Natural Lite beer (who knows why with his salary), kissing girls who are half his age on the cheek and generally acting in ways many college students do after a stressful or disappointing event.

Since The Des Moines Register printed the photos and an article detailing Eustachy’s actions at a Jan. 28 party, it has been the hot topic across the nation. Papers from California to Florida, even USA Today, have written stories about Eustachy’s improper behavior, which apparently is not isolated to this party. It is as if The Register opened up the gates and released the hounds.

This whole issue has become overblown. Eustachy did not do anything illegal. He drank nasty beer and lived out the fantasy of tons of other 47-year-old men, which is to be back in college getting kisses (on the cheek) from girls. He acted badly and now he is paying the consequences: a pending termination and severe embarrassment for him and his entire family.

But those are the facts that the media has forgotten. The hounds are now chasing after stories that the kids who drank with Eustachy tell, printing them whether or not they are provable. For example, the University of Missouri newspaper, The Maneater, printed a quote from Blake Overly, owner of the apartment where Eustachy partied, that said, ‘A girl asked if he wanted a beer, and he said, ‘Yeah, I’ll take a blowjob.'”

This is hearsay of hearsay. The public is being asked to accept the words of students, ones who were under the influence of alcohol. These students have nothing to lose and all kinds of notoriety to gain. These stories threaten everything for Eustachy, from his livelihood to his family, even though the statements can not be proven.

Eustachy’s actions were inappropriate and have certainly brought embarrassment to the Iowa State, but the shame has been magnified by the media feeding frenzy. Eustachy admitted his mistake and is seeking help for his disease. The administration needs to ignore the press and broadcast sharks and make the best decision for the university: Keep Eustachy.