Penn State Sandusky scandal: AD arrested, Paterno, Spanier fired; coverup charged #7

[HMSHood]

And now, news that Westboro Baptist Church, the organization that became notorious for its protests at military funerals, is planning to protest at Paterno's funeral:

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/01/westboro_baptist_church_says_i.html

Shouldn't they go after Jerry Sandusky instead of Joe Paterno?????????????? They are no different from Al-Qaeda, Aum Shinrikyo, Heaven's Gate, or People's Temple. :crazy:

 

[wfgodot]

Amy Davidson in The New Yorker, always worth reading:

POSTSCRIPT: JOE PATERNO, 1926-2012

 

[Reader]

I understand everyone's feelings about the situation, but I was and always will be an admirer of Coach Paterno, and appreciate everyone being respectful during this time. It would be different if he were the molestor, but JoePa was only the man who reported to his supervisors what had been told to him.

As many on here have asked, couldn't he have done more? Of course, and I think even he regretted his lack of follow-up after the gravity of the situation hit him. But I read a quote somewhere else about him that helps keep things in perspective for me (paraphrased): "Joe Paterno apparently lived 99.99% of his life as a moral and decent man. Unfortunately, some will only remember the 0.01%."

One needs only to read the tributes by his former players to know how many lives he touched in the long term. I know that many of us here will never forgive him for not pursuing the matter beyond his legal requirements, but it is IMO unfair and unfortunate to judge his entire life on one situation that we wish he had handled differently.

I guess I can feel this way, because unlike the impression I get from many posts, I don't feel there was a desire on his part to sweep this all under the rug. If so, why would he have even taken the actions that he did? If it were his goal to make it all go away, he would have listened to McQueary, assured him that he would take care of it, and left it at that. I trust his assertion that he passed the matter on to those he trusted to handle it. To those who blame him principally for allowing Sandusky to continue his abuse, remember that there were at least two police agencies, at least one District Attorney, Children and Youth Services, and possibly several grand juries that had greater power than Joe Paterno to hold Sandusky accountable, and yet all failed to do so.
With all that said, I hope that Joe Paterno may rest in peace, and my condolences go out to his family, and all those who are grieving his loss today.

BBM

Respectfully, how could those entities do anything when they don't KNOW about what JS did. The tragedy to me for Paterno and the abused boys, now men, is that if this matter had been handled as it should have been in 2002, the boys would have been saved from abuse, Sandusky would already be in prison and Paterno's record would be greatly enhanced by his courage in protecting them, instead of having this taint that will never be forgotten when he is written and spoken about.

My condolences do go out to his family and supporters who are grieving...it must be really hard to have to hear/read the critiques today, but the responsibility is Paterno's, not those of us here for the children who only know him from afar.

As far as this incident being a limited part of his life, I recognized this in my too-early eulogy yesterday:

I just don't think this will work although the board may try it...just look at how they and the president have been raked over the coals for firing Paterno in these last meetings.

It's not true anyway...even though he did not handle things that well at the time in 2002, even he said he should have done more, but there were others that failed too...it's not the record of his entire life. He is/was a great coach and deserves respect for that record and the good life he lived for his college and his family.

I think it's really sad that all this mess with JS was so delayed and had to come out at the end of Paterno's career, ending it on a sour note. It's also very sad that he had this illness and really did not get to retire and enjoy life some at the end of his career.

 

[Frigga]

I understand the 99% as opposed to the 1% sentiments- I do, but if only one of those boys raped, after the incident where JoePa could have truly intervened, were a loved one of yours, you may then feel a bit different about that percentage analogy.

Because for me, personally being a victim of childhood sexual abuse, I was murdered (so to speak) on those occasions yet left alive. If someone had had the ability to save me, or someone who came after me, from the hell of being raped or molested (by a much larger person I might add) I wouldn't care about how that person was on the job, or what kind of a family man that person was- I would remember that the person didn't do what was necessary to save me or someone else.

I could find forgiveness for that person, but it wouldn't change what was or was not done. No Paterno wasn't a molester but his actions (or inactions) were reprehensible, again IMOO.

Sometimes in life our defining moments are mere moments and how we react and what we do is very important as to our character. What is the quote... all it takes for evil to exist is when good men do nothing.

It took time for Joe Paterno's final story to unfold in terms of what happened with JS and what he knew or did (after the story first broke)and that makes me mad. His immediate actions could have shown things very differently, there appeared to be some self protection on JoePa's part, and that bothers me.

He is gone and he did great things, I am sorry for his family and the people who loved, adored, or just admired him, but my thoughts are with the victims. I guess I have that in common with them, so see this from the other side.

I do hope he rests in peace as much as I want justice for the victims of JS- I think I will defer to their sentiments about the man, if they are ever made known.

Just my feelings, I do understand those of you who feel differently.

 

[HMSHood]

I understand the 99% as opposed to the 1% sentiments- I do, but if only one of those boys raped, after the incident where JoePa could have truly intervened, were a loved one of yours, you may then feel a bit different about that percentage analogy.

Because for me, personally being a victim of childhood sexual abuse, I was murdered (so to speak) on those occasions yet left alive. If someone had had the ability to save me, or someone who came after me, from the hell of being raped or molested (by a much larger person I might add) I wouldn't care about how that person was on the job, or what kind of a family man that person was- I would remember that the person didn't do what was necessary to save me or someone else.

I could find forgiveness for that person, but it wouldn't change what was or was not done. No Paterno wasn't a molester but his actions (or inactions) were reprehensible, again IMOO.

Sometimes in life our defining moments are mere moments and how we react and what we do is very important as to our character. What is the quote... all it takes for evil to exist is when good men do nothing.

It took time for Joe Paterno's final story to unfold in terms of what happened with JS and what he knew or did (after the story first broke)and that makes me mad. His immediate actions could have shown things very differently, there appeared to be some self protection on JoePa's part, and that bothers me.

He is gone and he did great things, I am sorry for his family and the people who loved, adored, or just admired him, but my thoughts are with the victims. I guess I have that in common with them, so see this from the other side.

I do hope he rests in peace as much as I want justice for the victims of JS- I think I will defer to their sentiments about the man, if they are ever made known.

Just my feelings, I do understand those of you who feel differently.

I heard this, one can have a lot of praises or attaboy, but one bad thing can ruin their life.

 

[Snoopster]

Here is an email I sent to my sons (22 and 20), one of whom is an avid NFL fan...

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/46042618/ns/sports-college_football/

No one said life was simple. We won't always make the right decisions, but then we must take responsibility for that. And, as observers, we have to make sure we don't get up on our high horses, claiming that we would know how we would react.

I hope I would make the right decision at the time. Until I am faced with that decision I will never know. But what I do know is that we, as society, must stand up for those that can't stand up for themselves....the young, the weak, the elderly, the impaired. May money never cloud my actions. May pride never stand in my way.

Unfortunately Joe Paterno did not pass this test. Of course, I may not pass this test either.

I do feel sympathy that an entire career is marked with an asterisk, a very negative asterisk. I told my son that we can't take away the fact that JoPa was a great coach. But I also told my son that football is just a game, and what matters more is what we do for society. Naive? Yes. Worthwhile shooting for? I think so.

My sons were both involved in track. Many people they know went to the States on full ride scholarships. A number of those were disposed of pretty quickly when they had an injury, and weren't able to 'contribute' in the short term. Meanwhile, other friends of theirs stayed in Canada, where athletic scholarships are pretty much nonexistent. First and foremost, they were expected to do well in their courses and keep their academic average above a certain level. I encouraged my sons to stay in programs that focused on academics. From what I read, JoPa encouraged his players to get their education. For that, I admire him. The easier way would have been to only focus on athletics, and in that he was step up on many other NCAA coaches. But...in the end he failed others. I suspect that other NCAA coaches would have failed as well. There is no doubt in my mind that JoPa knew Sandusky was a pedophile. He took the easy steps, but not the tough ones. I can't guarantee that I would have done better, but I hope I would.

 

[tiredblondy]

Although it was late in coming, I remember the last words I heard out of Joe P's mouth as he was going into his house with reporters following him asking questions. I think one of them asked him a question like "How's your health these days?" or "How are you feeling these days"? He said Don't worry about me, Pray for those boys.

I think he was dying and was just trying to make it through the last season, then this happened which really enabled him to let go sooner. (If you know what I mean?)

 

[Quiche]

Well, I'm sure there's a big sigh of relief in Happy Valley by the powers that be... now, the public relations fellas can go about memorializing Penn State's patron saint. Now that Paterno doesn't have to bear witness in that trial, it will be easier to write his role out of that "script" entirely.

Wouldn't surprise me in the least to see some pleas changed to guilty in order to avoid the added publicity. If the accused did that, Penn State would have their enrollment back by fall, and next year's football on track with their newly designed program-- this whole "mess" a mere blip on the radar of public memory. If it does go on to trial, it will take another year-- how many millions of dollars will be lost if they insist on pleading not guilty? How many millions of dollars can be offered to their families to make this all go away??? We shall see.

All in all, I think it was dam* loyal of Paterno to drop dead so promptly... as always, a team player. MOO

 

[Tipstaff]

Paterno dies: Jerry Sandusky sad to hear of coach's passing


Associated Press

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STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Jerry Sandusky, the retired Penn State assistant coach who faces child sex abuse charges in a case that led to the firing of Joe Paterno, called the death of his former boss a sad loss Sunday.

"This is a sad day! Our family, Dottie and I would like to convey our deepest sympathy to Sue and her family," Sandusky said in a statement. "Nobody will be able to take away the memories we all shared of a great man, his family, and all the wonderful people who were a part of his life."

Sandusky is awaiting trial on 52 criminal counts for what prosecutors say was sexual abuse of 10 children over 15 years. He denies the allegations.

Sandusky was Paterno's top assistant for years until he retired in 1999, and he said he remembered Paterno as a great man who met high standards in a difficult job.

"He maintained a high standard in a very difficult profession. Joe preached toughness, hard work and clean competition," Sandusky said. "Most importantly, he had the courage to practice what he preached."


Jerry Sandusky is awaiting trial on 52 criminal counts for what prosecutors say was sexual abuse of 10 children over 15 years. He denies the allegations. (AP Photo)
MORE COVERAGE


Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2012-01-22/jerry-sandusky-reaction-to-joe-paterno-

 

[ThoughtFox]

If 99.99% of Paterno's life was moral and decent, then the other .01% was characterized by hubris. As Greek drama and the plays of Shakespeare consistently demonstrate, that's all it takes for a great man's life to end tragically.

Well-said! Because if the .01% of your life ends up ruining the lives of young innocent children and you don't try to stop that, then what good is the other 99.99% ?

Look at the captain who sank that cruise ship in Italy. The other 99.99% of the time, he knew how to steer the boat. Probably only .01% of his lifetime passengers died when it sank. Is he sorry now? Oh yes! Was there more he could and should have done? God yes. Is he going to be punished for what he did. Hell yes.

Did Paterno deserve to be fired at the end of a long illustrious career? I think so. Does he deserve some of the blame for knowing that Sandusky was still preying on boys at his illustrious university? Hell to the yes.

Tragic for Paterno? Yes. But he was only blameless as long as he knew nothing. Once he knew and chose to cover it up, some karma was kicked into motion and he should have seen it coming.

 

[wfgodot]

Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated has written intelligently on Paterno's downfall:

Once a living legend, Joe Paterno dies amid modern-day tragedy

 

[Reader]

In reading a bunch of articles about Paterno's death, the eulogies and reactions today, I also came across some older ones from the beginning of the Sandusky scandal and Paterno's firing. This one from Nov. 11 had some comments that I found especially interesting and are even apt for today. (It may have been posted earlier but I missed it.)

The tragedy of Joe Paterno
By Gene Wojciechowski
ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/college-football...dy-penn-state-nittany-lions-coach-joe-paterno

In many ways, Paterno seemed to be a reflection of the Virgil character he admired most, Aeneas: selfless, compassionate, a leader without peer, morally superior, rarely questioned by his followers and almost too good to be true.

But much like Aeneas, also inevitably flawed by his own weaknesses.

In less than a week's time, the 46-year reign of Paterno as Penn State's head football coach -- and as the university's de facto leader -- collapsed under the weight of arrogance, ignorance and a sexual abuse scandal that will leave deep, unsightly scar marks on whatever is left of his legacy.

His spectacular rise and equally spectacular fall prove once more that absolute power absolutely corrupts or, at the very least, blurs the vision. And make no mistake: Paterno's power and influence at Penn State was often vast and overpowering.

The descriptions from one administrator: "Fabulous and horrendous" … "Surreptitious" … "Self-absorbed" … "Calculating" … "Protective of everything he's done."

JoePa is three-dimensional, capable of extraordinary acts of kindness and charity, as well as extraordinary acts of backroom politics. But he isn't who we thought he was. If he were, he would have called the police nine years ago when first alerted to the alleged misconduct of former Nittany Lions assistant coach and friend Jerry Sandusky.

Why did all of this remain secret for so long?

"Joe doesn't know why [Sandusky] resigned?" says a former athletic director at a rival institution. "Bull----. That was the first cover-up. … In '99, when Sandusky resigns, you think this coaching staff didn't know what was going on?

"In 2002, this could have been a two-day story: 'Ex-Penn State assistant coach is arrested.' I'm not saying it wouldn't have been a painful story, but it would have been dealt with. But there's so much arrogance to think they can keep it a secret. And it starts with Joe … Monumental ego and arrogance."

Paterno's honor is now in question. Until a week ago, who would have ever thought that possible?........

A student of the classics, Paterno surely recognizes his own fate. He is part of a tragedy. And by all appearances, a self-inflicted one.

 

[J. J. in Phila]

Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated has written intelligently on Paterno's downfall:

Once a living legend, Joe Paterno dies amid modern-day tragedy

Part of Central Pennsylvania Gothic.

 

[waltzingmatilda]

Here's an opinion piece from my neck of the woods.

http://www.wwaytv3.com/blog/paterno-died-just-he-expected/35516

OT

The comparisons between JP and Bear Bryant are interesting to me. I grew up in a family full of Bama fans and remember Paterno attending the Bear's funeral in 1983. Bear was just as worshipped and revered in AL as JP is in PA. Church attendence fell during football season because folks would forgo services to stay home and watch the Bear's Sunday morning recap show of Saturday's game.

Another interesting peice of trivia wrt to parallels between the two coaches. Mr. wm is University of ILL alumni and he pointed out to me that both Bear Bryant's and Joe Paterno's last game coached was a victory against the Fighting Illini.

OK back on topic as this is the Sandusky thread.....

Was anyone else besides me sickened by JS's grandiose public statement regarding JP's death. Why couldn't he have simply said "Dottie an I are saddened and have sent private codolences to the Paterno family"? If I were a member of JP's family, I'd be furious that he had the audacity to even make such a public statement! What a narcissist! MOO.

No matter my opinion on JP's inaction on behalf of those boys, his family deserves the right to grieve their loved one without the man who's perverted actions brought JP down inserting himself into the news media at this time. JMO

wm (rant over)

 

[J. J. in Phila]

No matter my opinion on JP's inaction on behalf of those boys, his family deserves the right to grieve their loved one without the man who's perverted actions brought JP down inserting himself into the news media at this time. JMO

That is why you didn't see a long blog from me.

 

[davehead21]

Here's an opinion piece from my neck of the woods.

http://www.wwaytv3.com/blog/paterno-died-just-he-expected/35516

OT

The comparisons between JP and Bear Bryant are interesting to me. I grew up in a family full of Bama fans and remember Paterno attending the Bear's funeral in 1983. Bear was just as worshipped and revered in AL as JP is in PA. Church attendence fell during football season because folks would forgo services to stay home and watch the Bear's Sunday morning recap show of Saturday's game.

Another interesting peice of trivia wrt to parallels between the two coaches. Mr. wm is University of ILL alumni and he pointed out to me that both Bear Bryant's and Joe Paterno's last game coached was a victory against the Fighting Illini.

OK back on topic as this is the Sandusky thread.....

Was anyone else besides me sickened by JS's grandiose public statement regarding JP's death. Why couldn't he have simply said "Dottie an I are saddened and have sent private codolences to the Paterno family"? If I were a member of JP's family, I'd be furious that he had the audacity to even make such a public statement! What a narcissist! MOO.

No matter my opinion on JP's inaction on behalf of those boys, his family deserves the right to grieve their loved one without the man who's perverted actions brought JP down inserting himself into the news media at this time. JMO

wm (rant over)

BBM

I completely agree and when I heard that he released a public statement I said, "You have got to be kidding me." I find it extremely inappropriate that JS released a public statement, he should have ONLY sent private condolences to the family. The longer we watch JS's actions, the more I think there is something just not right with him (other than being a pedophile, of course).

 

[Concerned Papa]

No matter my opinion on JP's inaction on behalf of those boys, his family deserves the right to grieve their loved one without the man who's perverted actions brought JP down inserting himself into the news media at this time. JMO

It's been a long time since I've seen a statement that I agree with more than Joe Paterno's family deserving to greive their loved one.

If you're a college football fan older than 25 who cares about the history of the sport, this is a sad day for you too, whether or not you have an affinity for Penn State.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...21/joe-paterno-death/index.html#ixzz1kIMBcQrw

As a former middle linebacker for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, I feel deep sorrow in the passing of the winningest coach in NCAA history.

 

[stilettos]

It's been a long time since I've seen a statement that I agree with more than Joe Paterno's family deserving to greive their loved one.



As a former middle linebacker for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, I feel deep sorrow in the passing of the winningest coach in NCAA history.

My sympathy to the Paterno family. However, the image of people standing in long lines to touch the bronze hand in his statue was just beyond the pale. The man is not God. SMH

O/T Papa...when were you at UGA? Went to HS and UGA in Athens. Coach Dooley's daughter Deana was my BFF. LOL, loads of fun...could have gotten in a lot of trouble.:blushing:

 

[waltzingmatilda]

BBM

I completely agree and when I heard that he released a public statement I said, "You have got to be kidding me." I find it extremely inappropriate that JS released a public statement, he should have ONLY sent private condolences to the family. The longer we watch JS's actions, the more I think there is something just not right with him (other than being a pedophile, of course).

You are right, davehead! Something's not right about him. Whatever compelled him to release this public statement of condolences/sadness is beyond me. Sandusky has no concept of personal space/barriers. Narcissist!!! IMO (in additon to alleged child molester/rapist)

wm

 

[HMSHood]

Paterno dies: Jerry Sandusky sad to hear of coach's passing


Associated Press

A
A
A

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Jerry Sandusky, the retired Penn State assistant coach who faces child sex abuse charges in a case that led to the firing of Joe Paterno, called the death of his former boss a sad loss Sunday.

"This is a sad day! Our family, Dottie and I would like to convey our deepest sympathy to Sue and her family," Sandusky said in a statement. "Nobody will be able to take away the memories we all shared of a great man, his family, and all the wonderful people who were a part of his life."

Sandusky is awaiting trial on 52 criminal counts for what prosecutors say was sexual abuse of 10 children over 15 years. He denies the allegations.

Sandusky was Paterno's top assistant for years until he retired in 1999, and he said he remembered Paterno as a great man who met high standards in a difficult job.

"He maintained a high standard in a very difficult profession. Joe preached toughness, hard work and clean competition," Sandusky said. "Most importantly, he had the courage to practice what he preached."


Jerry Sandusky is awaiting trial on 52 criminal counts for what prosecutors say was sexual abuse of 10 children over 15 years. He denies the allegations. (AP Photo)
MORE COVERAGE


Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2012-01-22/jerry-sandusky-reaction-to-joe-paterno-

Ultimately, Sandusky is to blame for what happened. He ruined a lot of people's lives.