The disappointing exit of Joe Paterno

[SentraSE-R]

Originally Posted by Ophbalance

And he should have done what exactly? Castrated him? Run him through with a blunt object? Staved in his skull? Sandusky wasn't part of the Penn State program starting in 97 or 99. He was reported TWICE and those with any actual authority to do anything about it failed to do so.

Paterno ran the show at Penn State for the past 46 years. Everything occurring in the locker rooms and showers by Sandusky occurred under Paterno's watch.

What should Joe P have done? Rescinded Sandusky's facility access, conducted an immediate investigation, reported the incident to law enforcement, terminated Sandusky's charity's contract (pending outcome of the nonexistent investigation), for starters. Paterno did the minimum, and hoped it would go away. He knew a serious crime had taken place, and ignored it. By ignoring it, he castrated himself.

The Nittany Lions haven't been a national powerhouse in the past 25 years. Paterno's legacy is much overblown.

[Ophbalance]

While I agree he should have done more, the Campus Clowns and administration are (in my opinion) more squarely to blame. They were the higher authority.

Originally Posted by SentraSE-R

The Nittany Lions haven't been a national powerhouse in the past 25 years. Paterno's legacy is much overblown.

You're missing the point. JoePa's primary focus wasn't the fact that his athletes went to win every game. It's the fact that they were expected to NOT move up to the NFL. He expected MORE than just football just football from these kids, he expected them to actually graduate with a degree that would help them later in life. He cared more about academics then most coaches dared to ever do.

[SentraSE-R]

If Paterno cared about his student athletes, why didn't he do more to protect them from Sandusky?

[ILAveo]

Originally Posted by Ophbalance

While I agree he should have done more, the Campus Clowns and administration are (in my opinion) more squarely to blame. They were the higher authority.

...

My impression is that in practice Paterno was the highest authority in State College (particularly in circumstances involving the PSU football). It would probably be more accurate to say that he delegated an unpleasant task to people and didn't follow up with them to make sure it got done.

[phoebeisis]

Paterno was about 72 when he would have beyond a shadow of a doubt heard about Sandusky's perversions attacking and preying on children.It was 1998-Paterno pushed Sandusky off the staff-but not out the door!

Paterno was the BOSS of Penn State at that time(just as Aveo and Sentra imply/say),
but there were folks there who wanted to push him out the door-football had passed him by-
Just look at their record.

Paterno wasn't any dummy.He KNEW that if he made a BIG DEAL about Sandusky's depredations in 1998-
HE-PATERNO- would be gently nudged out the door.
So instead of doing the moral thing-making sure Sandusky went to jail even though it would cost him his job-
He failed- he choked- he took the low road-he managed to delude himself that he could just push Sandusky out the door-(he told Jerry that he would not be the head coach-and he probably STRONGLY SUGGESTED he quit).

He made a self serving choice in 1998-kidded himself into thinking "Sandusky was doing net good"

He just made a self serving choice-probably the choice most people make in that situation.Figured he-Paterno-staying was "net good"

He stayed too long-lost his way
Charlie

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

Originally Posted by Ophbalance

You're missing the point. JoePa's primary focus wasn't the fact that his athletes went to win every game. It's the fact that they were expected to NOT move up to the NFL. He expected MORE than just football just football from these kids, he expected them to actually graduate with a degree that would help them later in life. He cared more about academics then most coaches dared to ever do.

I think there's also a quiet implication with regards to remarks about his principles that he didn't engage in the shamateurism that other coaches do to get the top recruits.

[Chuck]

Get out your barf bags!

Jerry Sandusky asking judge for permission to see his grandkids.


...as far as I'm concerned - Sandusky probably took a few months off Paterno's life with the grief he caused (not saying JoePa handled it very well)

Originally Posted by Sandusky's statement on Paterno's passing

This is a sad day! Our family, Dottie and I would like to convey our deepest sympathy to Sue and her family.
Nobody did more for the academic reputation of Penn State than Joe Paterno. He maintained a high standard in a very difficult profession. Joe preached toughness, hard work and clean competition. Most importantly, he had the courage to practice what he preached. 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.

[herm]

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/468430...-today_people/

Sandusky labeled 'likely pedophile' in 1998 report

"More than a decade before former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky was charged with more than 50 counts of child sex abuse, a psychologist warned university police that his actions fit that of a “likely pedophile’s pattern.”

The finding by State College, Pa., psychologist Dr. Alycia A. Chambers, the therapist for one of Sandusky’s alleged victims, was contained in the internal Penn State files of a 1998 police investigation of the former coach for showering and bear hugging her client and another young boy in the school’s athletic locker room."

[Chuck]

Sandusky convicted on 45 of 48 counts, but it's not over

[SentraSE-R]

To think Paterno could could have stopped Sandusky's crimes against children nearly 15 years ago, and didn't!