Penn State Sandusky Trial #12 (GUILTY-post verdict discussion)

[back2back19]

There is exercising compassion, and there is being humane.

Then the is doing what is RIGHT. I don't think Dr. Spanier ever understood that.

None of them had a clue what compassionate, humane or doing the right thing meant.

 

[BigCat]

You might have thought JoePa was dead. I guess not. His ghost is speaking from the grave. (This saga resembles "Hamlet" more with every passing day.) New letter from JoePa released:


For the last two months, at the request of the Attorney General's office, I have not discussed the specifics of my testimony regarding the pending cases. And while I will continue to honor that request, I do feel compelled to address comments made subsequent to November 9; specifically, I feel compelled to say, in no uncertain terms, that this is not a football scandal.

Let me say that again so I am not misunderstood: regardless of anyone's opinion of my actions or the actions of the handful of administration officials in this matter, the fact is nothing alleged is an indictment of football or evidence that the spectacular collections of accomplishments by dedicated student athletes should be in anyway tarnished.

Yet, over and over again, I have heard Penn State officials decrying the influence of football and have heard such ignorant comments like Penn State will no longer be a “football factory” and we are going to “start” focusing on integrity in athletics. These statements are simply unsupported by the five decades of evidence to the contrary - and succeed only in unfairly besmirching both a great University and the players and alumni of the football program who have given of themselves to help make it great.

For over 40 years young men have come to Penn State with the idea that they were going to do something different — they were coming to a place where they would be expected to compete at the highest levels of college football and challenged to get a degree. And they succeeded — during the last 45 years NO ONE has won more games while graduating more players. The men who made that commitment and who gave of themselves to help build the national reputation of what was once a regional school deserve better than to have their hard work and sacrifice dismissed as part of a “football factory,” all in the interests of expediency.

Penn State is not a football factory and it is ALREADY a great University. We have world-class researchers, degree programs, and students in every discipline. Penn Staters have been pioneers in medical advancements, engineering, and in the humanities. Our graduates have gone on to change the world — even graduates with football lettermen sweaters.

That is why recent comments are so perplexing and damaging — Penn Staters know we are a world class University. We can recite with pride the ranks of our academic programs and the successes of our graduates. Penn Staters (and employers) know what we are and the quality of our education. Nothing that has been alleged in any way implicates that reputation; rather, it is only the inexplicable comments of our own administration doing so.

It must stop. This is not a football scandal and should not be treated as one. It is not an academic scandal and does not in any way tarnish the hard earned and well-deserved academic reputation of Penn State. That Penn State officials would suggest otherwise is a disservice to every one of the over 500,000 living alumni.

Forget my career in terms of my accomplishments and look at the last 40 years as I do: as the aggregate achievements of hundreds of young men working to become better people as they got an education and became better football players. Look at those men and what they have done in the world since they left Penn State and assess their contributions as an aggregate - is this a collection of jocks who did nothing but skate by at a football factory, or are these men who earned an education and built a reputation second to none as a place where academic integrity and gridiron success could thrive together?

Whatever failings that may have happened at Penn State, whatever conclusions about my or others' conduct you may wish to draw from a fair view of the allegations, it is inarguable that these actions had nothing to do with this last team or any of the hundreds of prior graduates of the “Grand Experiment.”

Penn Staters across the globe should feel no shame in saying “We are…Penn State.” This is a great University with one of the best academic performing football programs in major college athletics. Those are facts —

http://pennstate.scout.com/2/1201534.html#.T_2q7kd47lI.facebook

 

[back2back19]

New letter from JoePa released:


For the last two months, at the request of the Attorney General's office, I have not discussed the specifics of my testimony regarding the pending cases. And while I will continue to honor that request, I do feel compelled to address comments made subsequent to November 9; specifically, I feel compelled to say, in no uncertain terms, that this is not a football scandal.

Let me say that again so I am not misunderstood: regardless of anyone's opinion of my actions or the actions of the handful of administration officials in this matter, the fact is nothing alleged is an indictment of football or evidence that the spectacular collections of accomplishments by dedicated student athletes should be in anyway tarnished.

Yet, over and over again, I have heard Penn State officials decrying the influence of football and have heard such ignorant comments like Penn State will no longer be a “football factory” and we are going to “start” focusing on integrity in athletics. These statements are simply unsupported by the five decades of evidence to the contrary - and succeed only in unfairly besmirching both a great University and the players and alumni of the football program who have given of themselves to help make it great.

For over 40 years young men have come to Penn State with the idea that they were going to do something different — they were coming to a place where they would be expected to compete at the highest levels of college football and challenged to get a degree. And they succeeded — during the last 45 years NO ONE has won more games while graduating more players. The men who made that commitment and who gave of themselves to help build the national reputation of what was once a regional school deserve better than to have their hard work and sacrifice dismissed as part of a “football factory,” all in the interests of expediency.

Penn State is not a football factory and it is ALREADY a great University. We have world-class researchers, degree programs, and students in every discipline. Penn Staters have been pioneers in medical advancements, engineering, and in the humanities. Our graduates have gone on to change the world — even graduates with football lettermen sweaters.

That is why recent comments are so perplexing and damaging — Penn Staters know we are a world class University. We can recite with pride the ranks of our academic programs and the successes of our graduates. Penn Staters (and employers) know what we are and the quality of our education. Nothing that has been alleged in any way implicates that reputation; rather, it is only the inexplicable comments of our own administration doing so.

It must stop. This is not a football scandal and should not be treated as one. It is not an academic scandal and does not in any way tarnish the hard earned and well-deserved academic reputation of Penn State. That Penn State officials would suggest otherwise is a disservice to every one of the over 500,000 living alumni.

Forget my career in terms of my accomplishments and look at the last 40 years as I do: as the aggregate achievements of hundreds of young men working to become better people as they got an education and became better football players. Look at those men and what they have done in the world since they left Penn State and assess their contributions as an aggregate - is this a collection of jocks who did nothing but skate by at a football factory, or are these men who earned an education and built a reputation second to none as a place where academic integrity and gridiron success could thrive together?

Whatever failings that may have happened at Penn State, whatever conclusions about my or others' conduct you may wish to draw from a fair view of the allegations, it is inarguable that these actions had nothing to do with this last team or any of the hundreds of prior graduates of the “Grand Experiment.”

Penn Staters across the globe should feel no shame in saying “We are…Penn State.” This is a great University with one of the best academic performing football programs in major college athletics. Those are facts —

http://pennstate.scout.com/2/1201534.html#.T_2q7kd47lI.facebook

This is so getting old. :/

Thanks for posting.

 

[Tipstaff]

All this Paterno protecting makes me wonder if there is some future money making plan that they are trying to protect. Films, movie rights, books where 'they' want to write a different ending?

 

[Tipstaff]

Yes, and he came in first, I think. I did not vote for him.

That said, my sole objection to firing Paterno is that he should fired in person, not by phone.

Just catching up after being gone a couple of weeks.

After reviewing the Paterno's family most recent public statements perhaps the family declined a visit by the 'firing squad' and they were left with no option but to make the call.

Looking at the most recent statements by the family - they are in preemptive stike mode. Sounds like a legal strategy to me from way back.

 

[J. J. in Phila]

Thank you for the post. There is sometimes a supernatural element to Gothic horror.

My problem is that, if this had been reported in 2001, this wouldn't affect the football program.

Assume that they reported it to DPW. According to Sandusky, he furnished the name of the child. Okay, one of two things happened.

1. The child says it happened.

A. It goes onto the DWP abuse list as "founded" or "indicated."

B. It is turned over to the DA, who may or may not prosecute. This case is not as strong as 1998, unless Sandusky says he had sex with kid.

2. The child says it didn't happen.

A. Maybe DPW says "indicated," but maybe they say "unfounded."

B. The DA has a perpetrator that says he didn't, and he has a victim that says it didn't happen. He has a 27 year old, with minimal status, as a witness, and he didn't charge Sandusky for showering three years ago. It's just Sandusky being "Goofy Jer."

If they reported, how does that hurt the football program or Paterno? Even at the worst case, it is a former coach that is a pervert, and, the first time it happened, it was turned over to the police.

 

[J. J. in Phila]

All this Paterno protecting makes me wonder if there is some future money making plan that they are trying to protect. Films, movie rights, books where 'they' want to write a different ending?

Whsat's the title going to be, The Great Sandusky?

 

[Reader]

Penn St. trustees expect broad report from Freeh

http://www.centurylink.net/news/rea...ass&action=2&lang=en&_LT=UNLC_USNWU00L2_UNEWS

[Just a summary type of article but has a couple of interesting things.]

.......A spokesman for the trustees said Wednesday the board held an informational conference call Tuesday night, hours after Freeh announced the timing of the report's release. David La Torre declined to discuss the call further when asked to confirm an ESPN report the trustees discussed how they would respond to the report.

One person with knowledge of the conversations told The Associated Press that call involved logistical concerns and a change in the schedule of the regular trustees' meeting.
-------

Lawyers for Curley and Schultz, meanwhile, are expected to participate in a closed-door conference call on Wednesday afternoon with the attorney general's office and Judge Todd Hoover, who is presiding over their case in Harrisburg. Curley, on leave as athletic director, and Schultz, retired as vice president for business and finance, could learn when they will stand trial.

More at link....

 

[Reader]

Freeh Report on The Pennsylvania State University


http://thefreehreportonpsu.com/


The independent report by Judge Louis Freeh and his law firm, Freeh Sporkin & Sullivan, LLP, into the facts and circumstances of the actions of The Pennsylvania State University surrounding the child abuse committed by a former employee, Gerald A. Sandusky, will be published on this website at 9 a.m. Eastern on Thursday, July 12, 2012. Please visit this website at that time.

 

[Reader]

Whsat's the title going to be, The Great Sandusky?

Please, don't let his name taint Fitzgerald!

My favorites are: The Tickle Monster or The Great Pretender....

 

[J. J. in Phila]

Please, don't let his name taint Fitzgerald!

I was thinking of The Great Santini.

My favorites are: The Tickle Monster or The Great Pretender....

Just go with Central Pennsylvania Gothic, and give me a cameo.

I've known for a while that when they write the dramatis personæ for the movie of this, at the bottom is going to be:

"J. J. in Phila, a blogger."

Not really how I wanted to immortalized, but this is not about legacy protection.

 

[Reader]

Thank you for the post. There is sometimes a supernatural element to Gothic horror.

My problem is that, if this had been reported in 2001, this wouldn't affect the football program.

Assume that they reported it to DPW. According to Sandusky, he furnished the name of the child. Okay, one of two things happened.

1. The child says it happened.

A. It goes onto the DWP abuse list as "founded" or "indicated."

B. It is turned over to the DA, who may or may not prosecute. This case is not as strong as 1998, unless Sandusky says he had sex with kid.

2. The child says it didn't happen.

A. Maybe DPW says "indicated," but maybe they say "unfounded."

B. The DA has a perpetrator that says he didn't, and he has a victim that says it didn't happen. He has a 27 year old, with minimal status, as a witness, and he didn't charge Sandusky for showering three years ago. It's just Sandusky being "Goofy Jer."

If they reported, how does that hurt the football program or Paterno? Even at the worst case, it is a former coach that is a pervert, and, the first time it happened, it was turned over to the police.

BBM - My problem is if it had been reported in 2001 several other children would not have been sexually abused and traumatized by JS.

I think that your #1 would have happened because it would be the same as happened this time....once it was publicized more boys would have come forward, making the case stronger. And this time even tho JS denied all, he was convicted on basically the word of the victims, as he would have been then. Penn State would then have held its head up high for having done the right thing. The legacy of Paterno would not be in question and his family would not have to send out these ridiculous defenses. Such an avoidable tragedy all around due to a few men's vanity and arrogance. And don't forget, there is still the question of the money being involved and ties to Second Mile. I wonder if Freeh got into that part.

 

[J. J. in Phila]

BBM - My problem is if it had been reported in 2001 several other children would not have been sexually abused and traumatized by JS.

I'm talking about the reaction to Sandusky's action by the big four, not what Sandusky did.

I think that your #1 would have happened because it would be the same as happened this time....once it was publicized more boys would have come forward, making the case stronger. And this time even tho JS denied all, he was convicted on basically the word of the victims, as he would have been then. Penn State would then have held its head up high for having done the right thing. The legacy of Paterno would not be in question and his family would not have to send out these ridiculous defenses.

That's what I'm saying. You report it, fine, you are off the hook.

Such an avoidable tragedy all around due to a few men's vanity and arrogance. And don't forget, there is still the question of the money being involved and ties to Second Mile. I wonder if Freeh got into that part.

I don't see this as a vanity issue. Money, maybe, but it would have to be a lot to endanger the football program.

 

[Reader]

I'm talking about the reaction to Sandusky's action by the big four, not what Sandusky did.


That's what I'm saying. You report it, fine, you are off the hook.



I don't see this as a vanity issue. Money, maybe, but it would have to be a lot to endanger the football program.

BBM - I just can't separate the 2 'actions'...I consider the 4's reaction as a negative action that let JS get away with abusing more boys and still being accepted by the school and community as a 'heart of gold', a 'saint' who was lauded for 'helping' kids, esp. considering they knew about the previous incident.

I used 'vanity' in that these men all thought they knew better than anybody else how to handle the situation and apparently gave no thought to what they were leaving to prey on the school and community in years ahead when they did no follow up. I also use it because they thought they could get away with it. They still are lying and still think they are better than others instead of realizing they have brought shame on themselves and the school. That's vanity: lack of real value; hollowness; worthlessness: the vanity of a selfish life (dictionary.com).

IMO

 

[J. J. in Phila]

BBM - I just can't separate the 2 'actions'...I consider the 4's reaction as a negative action that let JS get away with abusing more boys and still being accepted by the school and community as a 'heart of gold', a 'saint' who was lauded for 'helping' kids, esp. considering they knew about the previous incident.

I used 'vanity' in that these men all thought they knew better than anybody else how to handle the situation and apparently gave no thought to what they were leaving to prey on the school and community in years ahead when they did no follow up. I also use it because they thought they could get away with it. They still are lying and still think they are better than others instead of realizing they have brought shame on themselves and the school. That's vanity: lack of real value; hollowness; worthlessness: the vanity of a selfish life (dictionary.com).

IMO

I wouldn't call it vanity:

Vanity:

1. the state or quality of being vain; excessive pride or conceit
2. ostentation occasioned by ambition or pride
3. an instance of being vain or something about which one is vain

I would call it hubris.


Hubris:

Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hubris

It was arrogance before the law.

 

[azwriter]

I think JoPa passed away at a convenient time. JMVHO.

Certainly yours is a perfect statement when looking at the big picture.

However, as deep as things may get after the investigation results are released, maybe JoePa went to his death sooner than it was expected. Now, that would be a conveince for all involved. It certainly might help Penn State officials to have Joe silent when others have to give their testimony.

Really, even knowing the Coach was ill, I would not be surprised if there was a plan to make sure JoePa never had to speak about the Sandusky mess ever again.
jmguess.

 

[J. J. in Phila]

Rominger did an on-line Q & A on Deadspin: http://deadspin.com/5924845/karl-ro...s-other-lawyer-is-here-to-take-your-questions

Okay, Amendola was not the crazy one.

 

[Tipstaff]

Certainly yours is a perfect statement when looking at the big picture.

However, as deep as things may get after the investigation results are released, maybe JoePa went to his death sooner than it was expected. Now, that would be a conveince for all involved. It certainly might help Penn State officials to have Joe silent when others have to give their testimony.

Really, even knowing the Coach was ill, I would not be surprised if there was a plan to make sure JoePa never had to speak about the Sandusky mess ever again.
jmguess.

Interesting point here. Considering one of the last interviews he gave where he couldn't hear or understand the question etc. could be part of a strategy to make a case for dementia or some other impairment that would stop Paterno from being questioned as a witness.

Much as I believe Paterno failed miserably and allowed Sandusky to continue and I just can't see him cooperating in this. He was ill and the stress and the public humiliation accelerated his death IMO.

 

[waltzingmatilda]

Rominger did an on-line Q & A on Deadspin: http://deadspin.com/5924845/karl-ro...s-other-lawyer-is-here-to-take-your-questions

Okay, Amendola was not the crazy one.

Ohh Emm Gee!

I cannot believe he is answering questions in such a cavalier manner!:what:

 

[Reader]

I wouldn't call it vanity:

Vanity:

1. the state or quality of being vain; excessive pride or conceit
2. ostentation occasioned by ambition or pride
3. an instance of being vain or something about which one is vain

I would call it hubris.


Hubris:

Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hubris

It was arrogance before the law.

Hey, J. J., maybe tomorrow we'll all have more to argue about than the definition of words...lol

What will you say if it is proven that Paterno WAS the ringleader in the cover up?