Moral Tone
NC State alumnus Ralph Brimmely asserts that the moral tone of the school's football program is not good, and mentions reported beer parties in the football players' dormitory, as well as a letter from a player that expresses frustration with Anderson's character.
Through the numerous references to and queries made about moral tone, the Anderson-Sermon controversy clearly reveals that many students, faculty, and alumni viewed collegiate football as a means through which young men should acquire and display strong morals and character. Dr. Graham and other Athletic Council members often asked witnesses if “the entire college athletics contribute to the building of character and a high moral tone,” and if “the football situation” was “higher or lower than the general athletic situation.” Thus it was presumed that football players, as leaders and role models on campus, ought to be leaders in both morals and integrity as well.