True Blue Grit

November 9th, 2011 at 11:13 AM ^

"One person does not represent this university".  Spot on.  For PSU to move on from this, they have to cut the umbilical cord to St. Paterno - quickly.  His influence (IMO) was a major contributor to the coverup which enabled Sandusky to prey on kid for years longer than he should have.  I'm sure Paterno didn't tell anyone to keep the matter quiet.  But, his silence and inaction spoke volumes. 

profitgoblue

November 9th, 2011 at 11:35 AM ^

The speaker was right but, in this case, unfortunately, the university was not just represented by Paterno but by numerous people in positions of power that failed to fulfill their moral duties.  Paterno is just one player in this "game."  Each and every person that knew or had reason to know about these heinous acts need to go.

And the retirement/firing of Paterno needs to be more than just him stepping down from coaching.  He shouldn't have any access to PSU facilities at all.  That is, at least, if they really want the punishment to sting.  Him stepping down is a no-brainer and hardly a penalty - his days were numbered as it was.

maizenbluenc

November 9th, 2011 at 1:01 PM ^

I think Paterno is now in a position to do more for the victims of child sex abuse, as is PSU. I think they should be putting out a message of we screwed up, certain people should be fired (and retire), and we should take leadership in changing how institutions act in these instances, and in educating the public about what they should do. To ban him from Penn State, and remove him from the records would diminish that platform.

Imagine Joe Paterno speaking publicly about how he didn't do enough, and how everyone should learn from it. Just hearing Matt Millen speak yesterday on ESPN - as much as he is reviled, his public statements were really piercing.

This case is so public. They didn't do enough then, and by serving as a very public example of what not to do, Penn State and Joe Pa's path the ethical redemption is to use their example to drive change to institutional policies, and promote awareness and ethical behavior (read action), which in turn save other kids moving forward.

Blue_Bull_Run

November 9th, 2011 at 2:27 PM ^

In my opinion, it's clear that JoePa didn't understand the magnitude of what was going on around him, and probably figured that enough people (i.e. the police in '98, and the AD) were aware of the allegations. Reading his statements, I actually feel bad for JoePa, who was obviously blindsided and now feels both betrayal and guilt. I agree with his retirement, but don't understand why people are so intent on punishing JoePa as if he were anywhere near as culpable as Sardasky himself.

coastal blue

November 9th, 2011 at 3:52 PM ^

I think it looks a lot more like he didn't want to rock the boat. Didn't want to have to deal with the possiblity of a scandal, so just kept quiet so he could concentrate on football and prayed that the allegations against Sandusky would never see the light of day. 

I liked Joe Paterno. Part of me still does. He had no excuse not to call the police. None. He should be fired and should never coach another game. 

umchicago

November 9th, 2011 at 6:08 PM ^

paterno should be fired immediately, before he gets his last home game this weekend.  that would be punishment. i've been waiting for a statement from him about what he knew or didn't know.  that has yet to happen.  his silence speaks volumes.  

he fed the beast and he now has to live with it in shame for his remaining days.

profitgoblue

November 9th, 2011 at 5:10 PM ^

If you really believe that Paterno didn't comprehend the magnitude of an allegation of child molestation/rape, then you don't have a very high opinion of Paterno.  How could someone not understand how serious an allegation like this is or not feel somewhat responsible for doing something about it happening right under their nose?  C'mon.

Blazefire

November 9th, 2011 at 7:24 PM ^

It's not that he doesn't understand the magnitude of those crimes, but rather that he wasn't aware that those were the crimes. If we believe him, he was aware that SOMETHING inappropriate was going on, and he passed it on to his superiors, per the rules of the college and per the law. Now, I don't believe for a minute that he thought "inappropriate" meant that Sandusky was in the locker room while the boys were changing or something, but I suppose it's a matter of individual decision whether you want to believe he knew actual molestation and eventually rape was going on.

UMgradMSUdad

November 9th, 2011 at 11:13 AM ^

Great speech.  It seemed to fall on deaf ears and loud jeers.  But maybe the Penn State faithful will get it yet.  Isn't the first stage of grief denial?  Maybe most need to go through a period of denial before they can begin to accept that the man they adore has feet of clay.

rbgoblue

November 9th, 2011 at 11:46 AM ^

It is not Paterno's job at this point to be a cheerleader for the university or the football team. This is not the time or place to cheer "We are Penn State" or discuss the game against Nebraska. As someone involved in the horrible situation, Paterno needs to put the focus on the victims of this deplorable situation, and the wrongs that can never be undone to them.

Rather be on BA

November 9th, 2011 at 5:35 PM ^

Many of the students (I am hesitant to say majority, I am not there so I dont know) have completely lost perspective.  I am embarrased for them, and embarrased for my age group whom they represent.  The fact that they can be so preoccupied with defending "their guy" and completely unconcerned for what really matters in all of this - that potentially DOZENS of young boys were raped and molested - is madening and it makes me sick.

gajensen

November 9th, 2011 at 11:19 AM ^

BOO THIS MAN!

...

Oh wait, they did.

 

The kid hit the nail on the head.  Blind trust and unconditional support is what got everybody in this mess to begin with, from the kids' vulnerability around Jerry Sandusky, to the GA reporting it to Paterno, and Paterno handing off the burden to the AD, and more.

It may be too little too late for the people affected, but there is still room for change in how people in positions of power and influence are viewed and questioned and held accountable.

MadMonkey

November 9th, 2011 at 11:30 AM ^

conclusion in this matter much sooner than his peers.  He is a leader.  His peers will either follow his example or painfully come to realize that their entire experience and identity as Penn State students and alumni will forever be diminished in the eyes of the rest of the country.

Imagine the treatment PSU is going to receive at each an every function not held in Happy Valley?  The PSU faithful need to get control of their insitution and indeed "hold their leaders accountable".  The rest of us are watching, and so far -- with limited exceptions like this young man -- we are not impressed.

swan flu

November 9th, 2011 at 12:25 PM ^

I heard it too! I love shouting out large words that summarize a situation.

 

Just last week I was at a Best Buy and a guy said "not only can I not afford that 70 inch LED TV, it wouldn't be fun to watch because it's too big."

 

So from across the store I shouted "COGNITIVE DISSONANCE!"

ClearEyesFullHart

November 9th, 2011 at 11:39 AM ^

     I haven't read much of the Penn State stuff...It makes me feel kind of sick, so I've stayed away from it.

     But if you're going to blame Paterno...Guy is like 300 years old.  He doesn't know where the **** he is, he's got no  ******* clue what the **** is going on around him, and his lawyers are going to have 0 problem convincing a judge/jury/prosecutor of that. 

     I understand that PSU has been operating under the ruse that this is not the case for several years, but it is becoming fairly apparent that PSU is pretty good at doing things like that.  

 

dougdutch

November 9th, 2011 at 11:48 AM ^

If Paterno really doesn't know what the **** is going on around him, then he is even more at fault. It is irresponsible and unethical of him and those around him to allow him to remain in a position of power and responsibility if he can't handle it. 

If he really isn't capable of handling himself, he shouldn't be in a position where incidents like this are reported to him.

In reply to by ClearEyesFullHart

dougdutch

November 9th, 2011 at 11:57 AM ^

I'd say if he is in a position where incidents like this are reported to him instead of the police then he is in  a position of power and responsibility.

justingoblue

November 9th, 2011 at 12:31 PM ^

Not only his actual delegated authority (absolute authority over football practice facilities, at the minimum) but why don't we call any ranking government official in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and ask what kind of power and influence Paterno had. I would bet their answer is something other than "he's clueless enough that he doesn't realize that, after two allegations, his friend was probably not the best person to allow in PSU football facilities".

In reply to by ClearEyesFullHart

Mr Miggle

November 9th, 2011 at 1:08 PM ^

Paterno was both the face and the moral authority of Penn State.

He was in the position to have Sandusky investigated by the police, exposed to the media or protected and he knew it. Does anyone seriously belive Paterno couldn't have had Sandusky barred from the athletic facilities if he wanted too?

WolvinLA2

November 9th, 2011 at 11:53 AM ^

This also didn't happen yesterday.  JoePa wasn't 84 when this all went down.

But even so, if you have a man in a position like his and he's unable to handle these types of situations properly, that's on both JoePa and the university to step in.  You can't say "I'm going to look past these indiscretions because he's a good coach."  Penn State did that twice, and now they're in deep shit.

ClearEyesFullHart

November 9th, 2011 at 12:54 PM ^

     Penn State is obviously culpable for everything that happened, as are the coaches and administrators who were made aware of the issue.

     I just take issue with the "Paterno was in a position where people came to him with these issues" comment.  Obviously I haven't read the literature, but I have to believe anyone with a legitimate concern would have patted JoePa on the head on the way to the AD's office, or to that of one of the actual head coaches.  If Paterno was made aware of accusations, we have no way of knowing how they were framed to him (and yes, his periodically feeble mind).

     I agree that the power structure of Penn State has been downright bizarre for several years, and that probably played a role in these allegations being ignored.  But I still dont think it is fair to pin this on Paterno. 

In reply to by ClearEyesFullHart

justingoblue

November 9th, 2011 at 1:09 PM ^

Paterno was either "in charge" of the facility or the "designated agent" of the person in charge. According to the PA law, he doesn't have to go to the AD. Going to Paterno would be enough.

c)  Staff members of institutions, etc.--Whenever a person is required to report under subsection (b) in the capacity as a member of the staff of a medical or other public or private institution, school, facility or agency, that person shall immediately notify the person in charge of the institution, school, facility or agency or the designated agent of the person in charge. Upon notification, the person in charge or the designated agent, if any, shall assume the responsibility and have the legal obligation to report or cause a report to be made in accordance with section 6313. This chapter does not require more than one report from any such institution, school, facility or agency.

In reply to by ClearEyesFullHart

BigBlue02

November 9th, 2011 at 1:58 PM ^

JoePa stated that when he was alerted of the situation, it was something sexual in nature and it was in the showers. At that point, does it really matter if the specifics were unclear?

UMCoconut

November 9th, 2011 at 12:10 PM ^

That is embarrasing for Penn State that they boo'ed this guy at all.  Blind loyalty is not a virtue.  Holy hell, what are these students thinking?  I would be humiliated if I was a student there right now and had to be represented by these people.