The players were victimized, no doubt. This "sexploitation" trend is growing. A HS kid killed himself when the extortionist said they were putting his photos up because he couldn't pay. But just because THEY were victimized, it doesnt ignore the 2 larger points here:
1. They potentially raped a girl
2. The football program covered up a player sending nude images of other players and a sex act without the other parties' knowledge (at best) and a rape (at worst).
Also, why is it always the small town papers uncovering this. Never Pgh, Philly, or local State College. You had to rely on Harrisburg and Johnstown for their 2 rape cover-ups.
This is why I say that Penn State is dangerous. They are too far from civilization. All the other football factories are somewhat close to civilization where they have real journalism. PSU is in a bubble. They can do whatever they want.