(NNPA)—Long before news broke of the Penn State sex scandal, it has now been revealed that between 1971 and 1991, Donald Fitzpatrick, a former Boston Red Sox clubhouse manager, systematically abused and molested dozens of African-American boys in their hometown of Winter Haven, Florida, where the baseball team held their Spring training.

DONALD FITZPATRICK

“He grabbed me and told me to take my clothes off,” Leeronnie Ogletree, who said Fitzpatrick lured him into years of molestation when he was just 10, told thepostgame.com. “I’ll never forget him putting his mouth on my penis. I don’t mind telling it now because I’m over it. But that stands out. And I’ll never forget it.”

Week of Dec. 10-16

December 10

1846—Norbert Rillieux invents the “multiple effect pan evaporator” which revolutionizes the sugar industry and makes the work much less hazardous for the workers. Rillieux was born “quadroon libre” in New Orleans, La. His father was a wealthy French plantation owner and his mother a former slave. He was sent to Paris, France, to be educated in engineering. He also researched Egyptian hieroglyphics. There is no record that he ever returned to the U.S. after the 1850s. He died in Paris in 1894.

NORBERT RILLIEUX

by Christine Armario and Errin Haines

ATLANTA (AP)—Four Florida A&M University students were expelled Dec. 1 for their role in what is believed to be a hazing death of a marching band member, the latest blemish for a rich and cherished institution at historically Black colleges.

LAID TO REST—A horse drawn carriage carrying the casket of Florida A&M University band member Robert Champion is led by his fellow band members following his funeral service Nov. 30, in Decatur, Ga.

Hazing is part of the price band members pay at HBCUs to be part of a vaunted campus tradition that eclipses the prestige and popularity of the football team. Band members can endure anything from punching to paddling to being forced to drink copious amounts of water, all for a chance to perform in front of thousands of people at football games, parades and other high-profile events.

Long’s spokesman, Art Franklin, said the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church leader told his congregation during church services that he will continue to serve as senior pastor at the church in Lithonia just outside Atlanta. But Long said he needs a sabbatical.

21-YEAR MARRIAGE ENDING—Bishop Eddie Long walks to the pulpit with his wife, Vanessa Long, at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta Sept. 26, 2010. (AP Photo/John Amis, Pool, File)