Paterno’s statement’s not enough, Penn State dropped ball
Joe Paterno is retiring, but he will be allowed to coach the rest of the season. (AP photo)
Joe Paterno will coach at least three more football games.
This is not going to be pretty.
Paterno confirmed this morning that he will retire at the end of the season. This follows ugly sexual abuse claims against former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky and the belief by many that school officials, including Paterno, may have been complicit in covering up the matter and/or could have done more to push for an investigation.
Paterno released a statement in which he conceded, “With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.”
They were the proper words. But they should have been spoken, not released via email, before anybody at Penn State even considered allowing him back on the sideline.
I can’t imagine any university, company or entity handling a situation worse than how Penn State has handled the past few days.
Paterno’s complete statement:
“I am absolutely devastated by the developments in this case. I grieve for the children and their families, and I pray for their comfort and relief.
“I have come to work every day for the last 61 years with one clear goal in mind: To serve the best interests of this university and the young men who have been entrusted to my care. I have the same goal today.
“That’s why I have decided to announce my retirement effective at the end of this season. At this moment the Board of Trustees should not spend a single minute discussing my status. They have far more important matters to address. I want to make this as easy for them as I possibly can. This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.
“My goals now are to keep my commitments to my players and staff and finish the season with dignity and determination. And then I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this University.”
I wrote the other day about how sickening this whole saga is, that potentially something so despicable could go on for so long. Paterno had met his legal obligations in the Sandusky matter but questions about whether he had met his moral obligations lingered.
I also wrote that before I jumped on the growing “Paterno Must Go” bandwagon, I wanted to hear what he had to say — live, in a room, behind a microphone, with people. Granted, Paterno was being crushed by public opinion and it seemed implausible that he could not have known — 0r done –more. But to me it all seemed a little too much too fast, given Paterno’s stature and reputation before this story broke.
I believed that Paterno needed to get behind a microphone, answer every question, show remorse and make us believe that there was no intent on his part to cover up such alleged heinous crimes for a long-time friend.
Because anybody who enabled Sandusky also belongs behind bars.
But Penn State already has made its decision. That’s a mistake. It’s as if the university is allowing Paterno one final power play in State College.
It’s going to be ugly in “Happy Valley” at Saturday’s final home game against Nebraska.
It’s going to be ugly and scary when Paterno and Penn State go on the road for the final two games to Ohio State and Wisconsin.
If Paterno coaches in a bowl game, the atmosphere certainly is not going to seem like a season celebration, which is what bowl games were intended to be.
Penn State dropped the ball. And when everybody looks at Paterno on the sideline Saturday, the first thought most will have won’t be, “There’s a great football coach.”
By Jeff Schultz
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590 comments Add your comment
UGA Insider
November 9th, 2011
3:45 pm
All of you idiots who say let’s wait until all the facts come out need to go online and read the 23 page indictment! The facts are out numbnuts!!!
phil
November 9th, 2011
3:46 pm
You’re right, Kramer.
You’re in the inner circle and have al the facts.
I’m sorry.
Kramer
November 9th, 2011
3:46 pm
Sure tech man, how many links do you want? The guy was on the property as early as last week. You think after 34 years together he was NOT in his inner circle?
phil
November 9th, 2011
3:46 pm
And I apologize for misspelling all….
I’m so stupid…
personsmart?
November 9th, 2011
3:47 pm
You are certifiable. Being atheist doesn’t mean you don’t understand right and wrong. Are you truly this stupid or is this an act. Leave Joe alone? pHHHHHTTTT
North ave. faithful
November 9th, 2011
3:47 pm
I knew i had heard that manifesto before, smart enough sounds alot like 5150,how on earth could you compare pot,adultery,and a bj in the oval office to this? Thanks for clearing things up, and u call me a moron.
gdawginkalamazoo
November 9th, 2011
3:47 pm
Techman, I will agree to disagree with you. We are each entitled to our opinions on the facts that have been published so far. However, “Are you advocating Sandusky should have had a label attached to him even there there were no charges?”
http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7212054/key-dates-penn-state-nittany-lions-sex-abuse-case
Look under the year 1998. Should he have been labeled then? IMO, HELL YES. But that is just my opinion.
TechMan
November 9th, 2011
3:47 pm
Is it really necessary to make this a religious issue? Being atheist doesn’t mean not having morals. Again, an inability to create a logical response.
Sorry but morals are not a black and white issue, probably one of the least black/white issues there can be.
And now I have learned that regret is only felt by criminals.
Good job, fellas!
phil
November 9th, 2011
3:48 pm
UGA insider – It’s a presentment, you idiot, and those are not facts….it’s terrible stuff but not “facts”.
Go drink a few more beers, smoke your weed and leave the thinking to others…
Kramer
November 9th, 2011
3:48 pm
No phil, it is just common sense. 34 years together and allowed on the campus whenever he wants. If Paterno wanted to cut ties with Sandusky over this then do you think he would have been allowed on campus? Who do you think runs that football team down there and everything associated with it? The AD?
gdawginkalamazoo
November 9th, 2011
3:48 pm
Actually, if it had been my child he wouldn’t have had to wish.
College Football Expert
November 9th, 2011
3:49 pm
People ignore the trolls supporting Paterno. They just want to see their user name in your posts as you reply to their hogwash. Paterno is guilty to everyone who saw the evidence. Anyone supporting him is just a troll trying to get people riled up. That’s why they keep posting and posting. Ignore them.
phil
November 9th, 2011
3:51 pm
Kramer – point taken, but Paterno doesn’t enjoy police powers at Penn State, as far as I know, and thus can’t just post people off campus.
I’m confident he could’ve done more. I’m sure he could’ve done more. That’s my opinion.
But until we get something more than all of this conjecture, I’m giving the man the benefit of the doubt.
boots
November 9th, 2011
3:52 pm
Disgraceful. He should be man enough to step aside NOW. Not in January, but NOW. There are over 10 victims under the age of 12 who were raped in Joe Pa’s locker room under his watch, he knew about it, and there are serious questions about his involvement. The statement written FOR HIM by someone else is crap. I hope he gets abused himself in his final four games.
boots
November 9th, 2011
3:53 pm
I would also like to see the coaches from the other schools refuse to shake his hand after the games, but I doubt they will do that.
phil
November 9th, 2011
3:53 pm
College Football Expert
November 9th, 2011
3:49 pm
People ignore the trolls supporting Paterno. They just want to see their user name in your posts as you reply to their hogwash. Paterno is guilty to everyone who saw the evidence. Anyone supporting him is just a troll trying to get people riled up. That’s why they keep posting and posting. Ignore them.
****************
It’s quite possible that you’ll win idiot of the day for this nonsense.
Evidence? Which law school granted you a degree?
Chester
November 9th, 2011
3:54 pm
What is the age of consent in Pennsylvania?
A person SMART enough to know......
November 9th, 2011
3:54 pm
UGA INSIDER………………..this is a Legal issue. The NCAA has now jurisdiction here or power to do anything. If you think the NCAA should do something, then maybe they should have Drug Screens for every athlete. If they fail, then a standard penalty and possible arrest for illegal drug use. Like many have said there is Only Black & White/ Truth or Lie.
Kramer
November 9th, 2011
3:55 pm
Point taken phil. All I am saying and all Paterno is saying today is he had a chance to stop this a while back. He did not and he will live with this until he dies. I like the man and the coach. I thought he should have retired years ago but, that is another debate. Bottomline, he is doing the right thing and what this team is about to go through the next three weeks I do not wish on any sports team in this country. Going to be pure madness.
kevdawg
November 9th, 2011
3:59 pm
Joe,
He reported the rape to the athletic director more than 24 hours after it was brought to his attention and then never asked about it again. He also watered down the the situation that was reported to him according to the testimony of his bosses. Say what you want, but he deserves everything he gets. A hypocrite of the biggest magnitude!
phil
November 9th, 2011
3:59 pm
It may be madness but Paterno must be one tough SOB to have made it this far….
What has apparently happened here, based on as yet untested in a court of law statements, is revolting, sickening and potentially deserving of most harsh punishment. It will play itself out in time, unless the know it alls kick down Paterno’s door and string him from a tree first.
A person SMART enough to know......
November 9th, 2011
4:02 pm
If all the people on here had their way. I am sure a lot more innocent people would have been executed over the years. I hope nobody lives in the county where this trial will be held. None of you could honestly be on the Jury since you KNOW who is already guilty and formed you opinion.
DP
November 9th, 2011
4:03 pm
Jeff, I haven’t read anything that says Penn State has agreed to let Paterno coach their remaining games. Paterno’s son says Paterno released the statement on his own and had not talked to the administration. In other words, Paterno knows the pressure is building on the Penn State administration (or the new administration, after the current PSU President is fired today) to force him to step down immediately.
I read Paterno’s statement as an attempt to box the Penn State administration in, not a commitment from Penn State that Paterno will be allowed to save some face and finish the season as coach.
kevdawg
November 9th, 2011
4:04 pm
Joe,
Read the indictment. Also there was no investigation because it was never reported to the proper authorities even though four levels of Penn State Employees were informed. Not one called the police even though the police fell under the org chart of one of the people in the know.
Also, the 1998 police investigation was called off by the Chief of Police who reported to the same guy.
JoePa just turned away, he could have been what he preaches but chose not to be.
reckingball
November 9th, 2011
4:04 pm
It’s Wednesday, Paterno won’t be the headcoach at Penn St., this Saturday.
Grand Jury
November 9th, 2011
4:05 pm
Here is a link to the Grand Jury Summary:
http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/Presentment.pdf
My question is how a 28 year old man walked in on a 10 year old boy being sodomized and left him there to go home and talk to his daddy. He should have intervened right then in the locker room and called the police.
jvillebil
November 9th, 2011
4:05 pm
The more I think about McQueary and what he did and didn’t do, it makes me sick. What coward. If he’s telling the truth, and the grand jury believed he did, then this guy has no spine. But nooo! he called his daddy. It was an athletic field house. He should have grabbed a bat, took out Sandusky’s knee and called the police. I would have sent the little 10-year to my office and waited for the police. But you know what, he probably would have been locked up for doing the right thing and Sandusky would have filed a law suit and been paid big bucks by Penn State. You gotta love the U.S. society.
Merciless
November 9th, 2011
4:07 pm
Kramer…the big picture here is the issue. Occupy Wallstreet does relate. The mother who wanted justice in ‘98 was silenced because of the weight of the allegations. The same way corporations take advantage of employees and communities. Molested boys and JoPa is the story. If it was any other story you dirty rats would still trample thru the trash looking for scraps.
North ave. faithful
November 9th, 2011
4:07 pm
Its hard to sit here and listen to a very small handful of people try to defend JP in any way. I dont care if your an athiest or a evangelist. JP was handed a get out of jail free card, but i assure you he knew what sandusky was and what he was doing, he turned his head on innocent children to save his beloved PSU reputation. BANK ON IT!!!!!
IL Jacket
November 9th, 2011
4:10 pm
This is not about Paterno’s guilt or innocence-he has discharged his legal duty according to the authorities in Pennsylvania. The issue is given the information detailed in the presentment, which Paterno has not contradicted, are Paterno’s actions sufficient to discharge the expectations PSU had of the head coach of it’s football team.
kevdawg
November 9th, 2011
4:11 pm
Techman and Joe the indictment is pretty detailed – Sanduskly will have justice bestowed on him. While Paterno may or may not have done anything illegal, he still did the least he could do.
jvillebil
November 9th, 2011
4:14 pm
I wonder what Lou Holtz would have done in the same situation. I guarantee he wouldn’t have taken the same road as Joe.
Mike Lum
November 9th, 2011
4:16 pm
Paterno apparently still doesn’t get it when he said ” And then I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this University.” Isn’t that what he was doing when he didn’t further push the allegations to higher authorities?
TallaDawg
November 9th, 2011
4:16 pm
So many people confuse or conjoin our judicial system, including its process and burden of proof, with our social/moral system with its process and burden of proof. The latter is and should be much less stringent than the former. There were NO facts and circumstances or explanation of a grown man being in a shower with a child at night that would NOT have morally required immediate involvement by law enforcment and PSU authorities, as soon as each and every individual found out.
Grand Jury
November 9th, 2011
4:18 pm
especially when he was observed by an eye witness in the act of sodomizing that child. He should have been in jail that night.
Mike Maetz
November 9th, 2011
4:21 pm
guys…..come on. There is NO WAY they are going to allow him to coach again – or this weekend! Before Sat, they will make that annoucement. They may not officially fire him, but no way are they are going to let Joe or his assistant on the sidelines or in the press box. The President will be gone by the end of today……and keep in mind I grew up a HUGE Penn St. fan as long as I can remember.
marc da gator
November 9th, 2011
4:21 pm
it’s not what JP did….. it’s what he didn’t do!!! If that had been your son in the shower…. what would you say he should have done?
jvillebil
November 9th, 2011
4:23 pm
I wonder if McQueary has an children? Do you think he would have acted differently if that had been his son he walked in on with Sandusky? But the fact remains, the child was someone’s son and deserved the same protection as you would you own child.
TechMan
November 9th, 2011
4:24 pm
To be clear, I am not confusing our judicial and/or moral system. Joe Paterno is not a law enforcement agency. He is not a character in True Grit. It is not his obligation or place to seek justice for what Sandusky was allegedly doing. He did what he was supposed to and I feel he met both legal and moral obligations. As it stands now, his biggest issue IMO is negligence but I’m not even sure that will stick because he alerted his chain of command.
TechMan
November 9th, 2011
4:26 pm
Grand Jury has a point though – Sandusky should’ve been in jail that night.
jvillebil
November 9th, 2011
4:27 pm
The problem TechMan is that he (Joe) didn’t stand up and act like a man
TechMan
November 9th, 2011
4:28 pm
The “if it were your children” argument is not a good example. If it had been my kid, I would blame EVERYONE, including the security guard to find out how he could let something like this happen. I would probably blame the car company that sold Sandusky the car to get to the gym. I would blame the Second Mile for allowing Sandusky to work for them.
As someone stated earlier, emotion should not be a factor here.
kevdawg
November 9th, 2011
4:30 pm
Phil, he does not have police powers, but he could call 911. First call 911, second call the AD to let him know it’s about to hit the fan. I would even give him the benefit of the doubt with the flip flop of the calls.
TechMan
November 9th, 2011
4:31 pm
No, the problem is the person that witnessed the ordeal first hand did not see it fit to alert the authorities. I’m fairly certain had the GA notified the police immediately reporting an attack, this would’ve been handled immediately.
Grand Jury
November 9th, 2011
4:31 pm
that is my problem with the whole situation. NOBODY stepped up for that kid. It is a disgrace for all involved. I work with kids every day and this makes me sick that these ADULTS abandoned this child to this predator just to serve their own interests.
jvillebil
November 9th, 2011
4:31 pm
I saw someone breaking into my neighbors house the other night, but I didn’t call the police because it wasn’t my problem. Now he’s mad at me! I don’t know why, I didn’t do anything legally wrong.
I can’t understand, why he doesn’t want to play golf with me this weekend?
TechMan
November 9th, 2011
4:31 pm
so you want Paterno to call the cops on hearsay? BTW, he did report this to the person with authority over campus police.
kevdawg
November 9th, 2011
4:32 pm
Joe,
Also who is really running the show. Paterno called the AD to HIS house. Last time I checked, people usually don’t have the boss come to their house for discussions, it is usually the other way around.
TechMan
November 9th, 2011
4:34 pm
not the same situation…………not even close
jvillebil
November 9th, 2011
4:34 pm
Now that makes one think, kevdawg