Paterno knew about what happened and he also knew that nothing was done about it...for over eight years. There is absolutely no way to distance Paterno from Sandusky's crimes. I have no axe to grind with Penn State at all. My axe is with the child molestation that Paterno abetted.
I was a victim of sexual abuse and I can speak from personal experience that the only villain is Sandusky. My abuser was very clever . My family who love me unconditionally never suspected. When I was 12 I finally told my mom. She went to the police and they didn't believe her or me because the man was a local minister held in high regard. She then went to Children and Youth. They investigated but couldn't find enough evidence to charge him. So my point being that even though Joe told the proper authorities his only possible crime is that he expected them to investigate the allegations. We do not know if he followed up yet and until then I from a victims perspective cannot hold him accountable. The story I told you is not uncommon it is very hard to detect and prosecute these individuals. They are very clever and manipulative. I suspect you have had a pedophile that has even fooled you. The important message is to better educate our children on what is proper touching and what isn't. To have better laws to protect children. I find it non productive to vilify anyone but the perpetrator. That is from someone who has been violated.
Sorry, psu! But it would appear that after Joe Pa kicked the matter upstairs, he then worked in the same environment with Sandusky for more than a decade after. Did Joe Pa not wonder why the guy was free, out, on the grounds of PSU? If Joe Pa was the pillar of righteousness that so many folks hold him out to be, then where was his indignation--or curiosity--or disgust--with Sandusky's continued presence in the PSU community? OK, perhaps the letter of the law was followed, in terms of pushing a distasteful matter up the chain of command. Joe Pa would then have to have been the most non-curious human being in the entire State of PA!
We all agree that Sandusky, not Paterno, is the vile monster here. The only problem I have with Paterno is his inaction. He may not have run the university, but he damn sure controlled every aspect of that football program. And, while he had no control over whether law enforcement charged Sandusky or not, he certainly could control his access to the facilities. What I don't get it why he still allowed him that access. It would be totally different situation if they took away his office, his keys, or at the very least, banned him from the locker room after hours. Had just one of those steps been taken, it would probably mean all the difference in the world, as far as perception goes.
Me too, but my violation wasn't as severe as what happened to the kids in the PSU football offices and elsewhere. As part of the series of events, I was attacked and got hit in the head with a bottle that required stitches. I was also very young, like some of those kids. Paterno didn't participate, that's true but he stood idly by while it happened to many kids over eight years, knowing that Sandusky had access to the facilities nearly the entire time...knowing that he was head of a children's foundation...knowing that nothing came of his report. Yet, it was swept under the rug by the Penn State administration...just like the Catholic Church did. He is morally culpable and so are the priests involved and their superiors who covered it up. Thank God for repentance and forgiveness. I am still a faithful Catholic because Christianity is about conversion and becoming Christlike...about knowing the Truth...about living your life in the light despite the sin of the world and the church...about Christ bringing Salvation to the world through you. I always liked Penn State football, respected their program, their coach etc. but unlike Christianity, True Faith is not involved...it was about football.
It is a shame Joe Pa did not live long enough for the Sandusky scandal to go through its full evolution AND give Joe a chance to make up for his part in it. I think the raw feelings on both sides are justified. It is a stain on his legacy and there is no way around it. He could have done more as he himself said. Sandusky should have been banned from the football areas and not allowed to use PSU in any way. This was in Joe's power. His lack of curiousity and follow up is also troubling. Most of all I don't understand why he didn't approach Sandusky and ask for an explanation. However while this his worst action needs to be remembered his 63 years of service to Penn State and most of all the players he coached should not be left out. In fact that should be the part of his life we should hope all coaches emulate. I could not be more impressed by the accounts his many players gave of his concern for their well being as men more than as football players. This is his first and greatest legacy and should shine forever. Likewise his efforts to build up the university and donations and life long comitment are beautiful to the soul. Joe Pa was a man, a good man who did great things that need to be celebrated. But he was like all of us fallible and his mistake also should not be forgotten. We should learn from both and remember him well.
Of all the words that have been written and of all the words that I have read and heard, those 42 words sum it as well as any that I've read or heard. Well done Winston1. :thumb:
I agree. That says it all. Joe Paterno was neither a saint, nor a demon. He was human and he made great contributions, as well as big mistakes. Haven't we all?
C'mon guys, leave Joe Pa alone. I mean, he passed on the information up the chain-of-command. Who knows what you would have done in his shoes? Well, for one, I'd check to make sure the F#@*ing kid is ok. But who am I, just someone who doesn't have to worry about a football program I guess... Paterno, I hope God shows you more compassion than you showed the victims of a Child Rapist.
I guess you must be talking about Mike McQuery, not Joe Paterno. Mike witnessed something. Joe didn't.
