[UPDATED November 18, 2011: The nine Wayne Hills High football players benched after they were charged with aggravated assault will be able to play in Friday’s playoff game after a meeting that went into the early morning.]

In the wake of the Penn State University scandal involving allegations of child molestation, a recent incident between high school students from Wayne Hills and Wayne Valley is sparking debate about whether school athletic departments play by a different set of rules.

Nine students from Wayne Hills were charged with aggravated assault against two students from Wayne Valley. All nine people who were charged are members of the Wayne Hills football team. Yet despite the charges, all nine would be allowed to suit up to play at an upcoming playoff game scheduled for Friday, November 18.

NJToday’s Mike Schneider spoke with Alfred Doblin, Editorial Page Editor of The Record, to discuss whether star athletes are given special treatment.

[Superintendent Michael Roth later issued a statement saying the players would be barred from extracurricular activities, including sports.]