Paterno morally obliged to answer questions on Sandusky
Joe Paterno needs to say more about what he knew regarding Jerry Sandusky and when he knew it.
After reading the Pennsylvania grand jury’s presentation, the first thought is not that Jerry Sandusky needs to go to prison if the allegations are true – it’s that he should be tied to the bumper of a Chevy and pushed off a cliff. I say that not as a father of two but as any human being with a shred of decency, morality and a soul.
“Victim 2” (of eight listed in the document) was estimated to be 10 when he was seen in the locker room showers at Penn State being subjected to sexual intercourse by Sandusky, then 58, in 2002.
“Victim 4” was 12 or 13 in 1996 or 1997 when he was “repeatedly subjected to Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse and Indecent Assault at the hands of Sandusky.”
“Victim 5” was 8 or 10 and attended as many as 15 football games with Sandusky who said he felt uncomfortable about constantly being approached by Sandusky in the showers, and one time pushed Sandusky’s hand away after being touched inappropriately.
“Victim 6” relayed similar accusations to his mother. After hearing this, she confronted Sandusky, after which he responded, “I understand. I was wrong. I wish I could get forgiveness. I know I won’t get it from you. I wish I were dead.”
And others share that sentiment.
But the matter of debate now is culpability. That is where the inferno regarding Joe Paterno comes in, and I’m not ready to make that leap yet.
Pennsylvania attorney general Linda Kelly addresses the media Monday on the allegations of sex abuse crimes against Sandusky.
Two Penn State officials who are charged with covering up allegations against the team’s former defensive coordinator are already out. Athletic director Tim Curley asked to be placed on administrative leave and Gary Schultz, vice president for finance and business, is crawling back into retirement. If what has been alleged in the grand jury’s “finding of fact and recommendations” are true – that a graduate assistant made the allegations regarding “Victim 2” and Curley and Schultz didn’t even report it to university police – they should be tied to the same Chevy as Sandusky.
There is the question of what university president Graham Spanier knew. Spanier denies that the “Victim 2” incident in 2002 was reported to him as “an incident that was sexual in nature” and that Curley termed the conduct as “horsing around.” He also said he wasn’t aware of a 1998 investigation into incidents involving Sandusky and children in the football showers.
The debate on Paterno isn’t legal but moral. Charges have not been brought against him. He immediately reported allegations of the 2002 incident to Curley and Schultz after he was informed by the graduate assistant. (It’s worth noting that Sandusky had retired after the 1999 season but held “emeritus” status on campus, affording him perks that included an office in the Lasch athletics building and unlimited access to football facilities.)
Should Paterno have done more? No question. He should have followed up with school officials on the graduate assistant’s claims. He should have checked on any investigation with law enforcement. But did he fail to do so because Sandusky was a long-time friend, or did he simply mess up?
Many have already called for Paterno’s resignation. I want to hear more from the man first. Actually, I want to hear anything from him.
The statement Paterno released Sunday isn’t nearly enough, even if it touched on the correct themes. An excerpt: “ The fact that someone we thought we knew might have harmed young people to this extent is deeply troubling.”
Paterno long has been held up in college athletics as the standard for doing things the correct way. Nobody ever has questioned his moral compass. But when the charges against Sandusky were released, many figured the compass had turned 180 degrees.
Suddenly, it’s as if he’s the personification of evil. That’s a little too much too quick.
There are questions Paterno must answer – and preferably before the Nittany Lions play on Saturday against Nebraska. He needs to stand in a room and not hide behind an emailed statement carefully crafted by an attorney. He needs to expound on what he knew and when he knew it. He needs to give details. He needs to show regret and remorse for not doing more. He needs to be convincing.
Jerry Sandusky may be a monster. But monsters have enablers.
The stated mission at Penn State is “Success With Honor.” This is a time when Paterno needs to assure everybody he met not so much his legal obligations as his moral ones.
Would he have dropped the matter so quickly if the alleged victim was somebody he knew — his child, his grandchild, the son of a close friend? Then, would he have done more?
Even if the Pennsylvania attorney general does not bring charges against Paterno, this has the potential to tarnish his legacy. It’s not about football or win totals. It’s about what’s right. He owes an explanation to the public. He certainly owes it to the victims.
By Jeff Schultz
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481 comments Add your comment
joe
November 7th, 2011
8:09 pm
Joe Pa needs to share a cell w/ Sandusky
Eddie Long
November 7th, 2011
8:16 pm
I don’t see what the big deal is.
T Dog
November 7th, 2011
8:16 pm
The Bible says it is just as much a sin to know to do right and not act on it as it is to committ the act. Nuff Said.
Thanks Coach Richt for the job you do at Georgia and the stand you take for Christ.
SmyrnaBob
November 7th, 2011
8:18 pm
Note to everybody. Even if it is your best friend or your priest, you don’t cover up or take no action about this child molester. I told my boss is not taking action.
Appoint Conrad Murray as Sandusky’s doctor now.
ARdawg
November 7th, 2011
8:18 pm
Innocent until proven guilty is Sandusky. I didn’t read anywhere that Joepa witnessed a case of abuse. Sure, he may or may not had suspicions and should have investigated or saw that investigations were followed up.
A grand jury heard some evidence as often as not, Grand Jury evidence can be proof or not. Sandusky deserves a trial before a jury of his peers. Maybe we should forget the idea of innocent until proven guilty, a right to a fair trial and all that goes with it?
Jeff, you said tie him to a bumper if it’s true. I agree with you but, we have no knowledge that it is true. Shouldn’t you wait for at least the conviction? At this point there is NOTHING to hold JoePa to. Rumors and innuendo does not a conviction make
Mr Charlie
November 7th, 2011
8:21 pm
Lotta Bobs showing up on this blog….what about bob?
llf
November 7th, 2011
8:22 pm
Jo Pa’diphile testified before the Grand Jury for one reason and one reason only — to save his old, wrinkled, molestation-condoning a$$.
Will
November 7th, 2011
8:22 pm
Please Boycott all football games until Joe and all involved are gone from the university. How can anyone support this university until it does the right thing? Joe must go! I think PSU alums and students need to show that attempting to uphold an image and a football program at the expense of a child’s welfare is the epitome of evil. Empty State College this weekend!
$5 Dawg
November 7th, 2011
8:22 pm
The monster even has a book, available on Amazon. Its chilling title: “Touched: The Joe Sandusky Story”
Vain Jangling
November 7th, 2011
8:23 pm
AD Tim Curley, VP Gary Schultz, President Graham Spanier, and many others, including the beloved Joe Paterno, were certainly not looking out for the well being of known or potential victims. And, in the end, they weren’t looking out for each other. Simply put, they were looking out for themselves. Each made a value judgment, asking themself, “What do I stand to lose if I open this can of worms.” In each case, the answer was, “Too much.” And after a few weeks of knowing and doing nothing, it was then too late, in their minds, to do anything. Hence, the coverup. And that’s exactly what has been going on all these years; a coverup. And as in most similar instances, the resulting damage, to community and to career, if it had been faced early on, wouldn’t be nearly as bad as now to come.
“Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.”
5150 UOAD
November 7th, 2011
8:23 pm
SPEAR ME IN THE HEART…………………….I hear a LOT of UGA fans calling for Joe Pa’s head but less the a week ago FORGIVING other LAW breakers.
An Action is either Illegal or it is not.
What were all the people saying……………Don’t Throw Stones in a Glass House!
Joe Pa didn’t do what you say he should have but RICHT did what was by the RULE of the LAW according to UGA LAW.
people Defended DAMON EVANS too. OJ as well. Micheal Jackson and Bill Clinton, Oliver North, and ……..it goes on and on. If you want to THROW a man “UNDER the BUS”, then throw them ALL under the bus.
HAHAAHAHAHHAHA
TECH is BAD
UGA is BAD
Penn St is bad…………………………or………………………….
they ALL deserve the right to a FAIR TRIAL………………….not in public opinion.
What is the CALL?
UGA deserves the benefit of the doubt?
Auburn for Cam?
Clinton?
OJ?
All you that are calling for the GLASS HOUSE on issues of the TECH /UGA issues nedd to know put down your STONES.
SEE as long as the PROBLEMS are not at/ against YOUR school you are ready to SLING …….. But when it is YOUR team you get defensive.
LMAO…………………HATE me for calling ALL of you OUT. You call me out! Well, here is your GLASS WINDOW calling all you STONES out.
$5 Dawg
November 7th, 2011
8:23 pm
Sorry, it’s Jerry, not Joe Sandusky
Eddie Long
November 7th, 2011
8:23 pm
Lol at T-Dog. T-dog you believe in Santa Claus to?
ARdawg
November 7th, 2011
8:24 pm
Innocent until proven guilty, right to a fair trial. Why don’t we just forget Sanducky has these constitutional rights and hang him now? JoePa can answer after a conviction. Until then, there is nothing but accusations
GADawg59
November 7th, 2011
8:27 pm
Enter your comments here
Kevin
November 7th, 2011
8:27 pm
Actually, I’ve heard enough. He knew. ” The fact that someone we thought we knew might have harmed young people to this extent is deeply troubling.” The “to this extent” is telling. “We knew about the oral rape, but who knew the guy was butt f**king them too.”
ARdawg
November 7th, 2011
8:28 pm
Please Jeff, save the tossing off the cliff until after the trial. Who knew what and when tends to be exposed in trials.
The whole thing is uber disgusting. I know it’s difficult but suppose if just for a minute, Sandusky isn’t guilty? What is JoePa supposed to know under this circumstance?
pat
November 7th, 2011
8:30 pm
Torture is the only answer for Sandusky. Not kidding.
Eddie Long
November 7th, 2011
8:30 pm
I dont think he did it. Plus, the bible says “Judge not lest ye be judged.”
BJ Bell
November 7th, 2011
8:31 pm
Say it ain’t so that Joe did know — but it’s still time for “Joe to go”, you’re outta here Joe, it happened on your watch — no excuses, just pack your bags, so long… bye, bye………
GADawg59
November 7th, 2011
8:31 pm
Innocent until proven guilty is the law but how could these individuals live with themselves? If these allegations are true then all those involved basically covered this up. This whole situation reeks. Reminds me of the Catholic priests and how they got away with it. Children are our greatest treasures and anyone who can hurt a child does not deserve to breathe air.
5150 don’t you think this is a little more severe than a DUI or alleged pot smoking?
RunninWithTheDawgs
November 7th, 2011
8:33 pm
The first person to witness the rape of a pre teen child should call the law right then period.
Eddie Long
November 7th, 2011
8:33 pm
Where were the parents at?
K
November 7th, 2011
8:33 pm
Paterno and all the other coaches had to know what was going on.
He is just as guilty! No excuse is acceptable with what is actually known.
Penn State cannot let him remain and he should be prosecuted just like Sandusky!
To abuse an innocent child is totally reprehensible.
Jason
November 7th, 2011
8:35 pm
Jeff, you can’t be serious. Did you actually read the grand jury report? If you did, then you know the followsing: Paterno was made aware, by a graduate assistant on his staff, that Sandusky was, at a minimum, found to be taking a shower with a 10 year old boy. WIth that, and only that in mind, how on god’s green earth could Paterno ever let that man back into the football facilities? How could he let him travel to bowl games as late as 1999 accompanied with young boys? How could he allow Sandusky to conduct overnight football camps attended by young boys on the PSU campus as late as 2007? How?????? This is called willful indifference, or willful ignorrance. Turning a blind eye, hoping it never comes to light. Everyone who knew Paterno was taking a shower with a youg boy, and then did not call the police, has blood on his hands. Period,
Eddie Long
November 7th, 2011
8:35 pm
The parents didnt do much
Rodney Dangerfield
November 7th, 2011
8:35 pm
If you are PSU fan are you still going to watch or attend games while people connected to this are coaching the team. I guess if I see a young boy being raped at work I will just turn around and go tell my boss. And then when I’m still working with the pedophile years later, I will just figure that everything was taken care of.
Umm no… Either Paterno doesn’t care about young boys being raped or Sandusky has something over him to keep him quiet.
Eddie Long
November 7th, 2011
8:38 pm
If some rando grad assistant tole\d me that my assistant coach and friend was in a shower with a kid, I wouldnt go running to the police. I would pass it on to higher ups who have more investogatory power than myself. Those allegations ruin lives if found untrue.
5150 UOAD
November 7th, 2011
8:40 pm
Give or Take 50% of the country said it was OK for PREZ. Clinton to POWER RAPE an UGLY girl in the OVAL OFFICE with a CIGAR.
Please don’t act all offended it happened in college football.
What do you know about the person running your child’s football program or your daughter’s softball team. What about the WOMAN coaching the same teams.
Why Why Why did so many defend the POT SMOKERS at UGA that could be behind the wheel of a car? That car could have killed a minivan full of children, but it was OK because they were just being College Students.
Breaking the LAW is Breaking the LAW.
flahokie69
November 7th, 2011
8:41 pm
The perfect firestorm that can happen when a coach or anyone overstays his tenure. Joe Pa probably has been half senile for the last ten or fifteen years. Fire the old buzzard and erase his victories for the past nine or ten years.
Eddie Long
November 7th, 2011
8:42 pm
Pretty sure these parents are out for the fast buck. This is gonna go down like the Duke Lacrosse scandal.
Vain Jangling
November 7th, 2011
8:43 pm
Respectfully, who better to investigate allegations of criminal actions than the police, acting under the advice and consent of the District Attorney’s office? Surely you don’t think self-focused university officials should be left to guard that chicken coop. Wait . . . That’s exactly what happened here.
Howard
November 7th, 2011
8:45 pm
Winning at all costs. That’s what counts. This is an all time low. Not only do we not report women being assaulted by college athletes but now we let a sexual pervert continue with his sickness. If you do not call the cops then you are an enabler. I hope JoePa sleeps well tonight being the all time winningest coach in college football. I would respect you more if you had turned this guy in the first time it happened. 1998? This really takes away from the fact that you are a great coach Joe Paterno. We will all pray for the victims. This story makes me sad.
Eddie Long
November 7th, 2011
8:47 pm
No I think that if some grad assistant passed me this info about my friend and coach, I would pass it along to university officials, before dragging the guys name through the mud. Yes, I would trust them to do the right thing. I have trusted police to do the right thing before. They tend to act self-interested as well. I am just saying that an allegation like this shocks the conscience, and it is important that it is vetted before just snap-calling the police and making it public before the facts are known.
5150 UOAD
November 7th, 2011
8:47 pm
GaDAWG59……………………….NO
Nothing has been proven as to who knew or did what.
What CRIME of the CENTURY would you like to Sling MUD at?
When I threw Coach Mark Richt “UNDER the BUS” for knowing that the DIPSTICK Test were positive. You DAWGS said he had to WAIT until there was PROOF. Now the same people that hated me want to be just like me on the UGA issue.
All I heard was don’t throw stones.
WHERE? WHERE? WHERE is that UGA compassion NOW?
BulldogGirl
November 7th, 2011
8:49 pm
5150 UOAD – Why are you trying to make this about UGA? What happened at Penn State is REPREHENSIBLE. It was a crime acted upon children – young boys were raped! Their lives will never be the same. The people in charge need to take responsibility for their actions – period!
Eddie Long
November 7th, 2011
8:50 pm
Lets put it this way. If Paterno calls the police with consulting Uni officials, and these allegations prove unfounded: Penn State’s name is drug through the mud, the football program, the AD, Paterno himself and Sandusky’s life would be ruined. I think he did the right thing under the circumstances. Whether he knew that the investigation revealed the rumors to be true and how acted on that info is at the crux of the matter and we do not know the answer.
5150 UOAD
November 7th, 2011
8:54 pm
The BEST line……………………..Didn’t the parents have to know? Didn’t SOMEBODY have to KNOW?…………………Well, it is NICE to know most of these post are from men……………..Men CHEAT and some wives NEVER knew…………..Shouldn’t the WOMEN KNOW their men are PIGS?…………..It happens that PEOPLE don’t know the DARKSIDE of a person they go to bed with every night. I would bet everything that there are many men on this blog who’s wives don’t know the DARKSIDE of their husbands needs…………………Please PROVE ME WRONG.
George Stein
November 7th, 2011
8:56 pm
I’m not sure JoePa has any obligation, moral or otherwise, to answer any questions.
I actually understand where JoePa was coming from in his behavior. If any of us were told that a friend or coworker that we knew and trusted for 20 years was doing this kind of sick behavior, I think it’d be tough to just turn them in.
Eddie Long
November 7th, 2011
8:56 pm
Yeah but the mom confronted the coach several years ago and these witnesses have been around that long. How come charges were not brought back then?
5150 UOAD
November 7th, 2011
9:00 pm
what
Old Dawg
November 7th, 2011
9:02 pm
OK, so Joe Pa turned him in. After nothing happened, why didn’t he follow up and press the issue more?
Like so many other issues related to college football, a said state of affairs.
bugsquacher
November 7th, 2011
9:03 pm
agreed. Paterno needs to answers questions straight up with out hiding behind emails or school policy. if it were his child, he would have done more….
Eddie Long
November 7th, 2011
9:04 pm
How do you know he didnt? How do you know they didnt tell him the allegations were false?
Mr Charlie
November 7th, 2011
9:04 pm
5150, as a parent, you don’t let your children spend the night alone with grown men.
5150 UOAD
November 7th, 2011
9:04 pm
Bulldog girl please file a lawsuit against LEEBURN for all the Underage drunk males and female in Athens. Better yet sue Leeburn for all the Date Rapes in Athens when girls are almost passed out and can’t say NO because Leeburn is the Liquor distributor to all the Athens bars.
phil
November 7th, 2011
9:05 pm
If Paterno knew this was happening, what a pathetic bastard he is. I always liked the man but now? Sad end.
GADawg59
November 7th, 2011
9:05 pm
5150, You have some issues you need to deal with. Yes we do live in a society that has cheaters, thieves, liars and sick people. For every bad person there is 100 decent law obiding and god fearing people. You obviously have a great hate for UGA. Sometimes it is better to keep your thoughts to yourself than to attack. As a former Dog I take great offense of you constantly attacking and berating UGA. Not all us are your enemy. Believe it or not most of us have turned out to be productive law obiding citizens. Lighten up, there is more to life than sports. Have some compassion for the families of the children that suffered from this sadistic man. You do not have to bring your hatred toward UGA in every blog on here.
5150 UOAD
November 7th, 2011
9:06 pm
OLD DAWG did RICHT make CROWELL and the others Pee in the CUP today? Shouldn’t he FOLLOW-UP too?
5150 UOAD
November 7th, 2011
9:07 pm
Mr. Charlie………………I guess the BOY SCOUTS should be disbanded too?