In light of the recent alleged child sex abuse events at Penn State University, Happy Valley has now found itself in a deep and torrential valley of mourning: trying to climb their way out by saving face. With this concept in mind, the University’s boards of trustees have fired the one person who was arguably the most recognizable face in Penn State University history, Joe Paterno, and made him out to be the scapegoat.I’ll make it clear here now, that this is not a football, congressional or even college town gone-a-stray issue. This is about the innocence stolen from several children, who will live the results of what happened long past the day when the news coverage of this scandal dies out. This is about a man, Jerry Sandusky, who allegedly used his status as an assistant coach under Paterno, to lure young boys into sexual entrapment. This is about the lack of moral integrity from several adults stemming back to 2002, to follow through and do what is just rather than the bare minimum accepted by the law.
Here’s where I might get under your skin. Ready? Whether you’re the enraged parent, survivor of child sex abuse or you’ve made camp outside “Joepa’s” home rallying for him in support, the University has used Coach Paterno as a scapegoat and this is far from right. Notice I didn’t say this is completely wrong. This man has suffered a tarnished reputation, exile from his job of 60 years and has said himself that he wishes he had done more, yet the majority of attention has been focused on him, good or bad.
The light, this unfortunate light needs to shine on Jerry Sandusky and his alleged victims, rather than a legendary man, not just for amassing more wins than any other football coach, but for his humanitarian efforts and 60 years of service to a thriving Big Ten University. And all I see is media coverage on every major news channel and newspaper focusing on Joe Paterno. Whether it’s covering Paterno’s family history, video of PSU students rioting after the dismissal of their long-time coach, talk about Assistant Coach Mike McQueary being forced to miss the football game because of threats and now security at the football game will be increased…These. Are. Minute. Details.
I want the “Nancy Grace” uproars from the media dissecting and investigating what compels a human to commit these acts and how we as citizens can make sure we proactively fight against this atrocity to protect our children and make sure the public understands when and how to take the necessary steps to report such incidents. Ultimately, Paterno is responsible as the head coach and even more so when he was made aware of even one sexual incident under his watch. However, these are only speculations, assumptions, personal opinions as to how much Coach Paterno knew, while the courts hold a very convincing and conclusive 23 page document on how much Sandusky allegedly did according to eight victims and their families.
If confirmed news (from Joe Paterno himself would be ideal) surfaces that Joe Paterno knew about Sandusky’s crimes and actively tried to cover it up or ran with the, “out of sight out of mind” concept, then I’ll be happy to write a follow-up and tell you that Paterno’s many years of right don’t cancel out this particular wrong.
However, as of now, right now, Paterno has taken a majority of this child sexual abuse upon himself and his entire family with only speculations circulating, when Sandusky is the man who planted the seed, watered the situation with his continued alleged abuse and has now soiled an entire university and man’s unblemished legacy. Sandusky is one bad seed that when given the chance needs to take (if convicted) accountability for his actions that have not only deeply harmed children and their family’s but rippled; and has now affected Paterno, and an entire University. There is no need for a scapegoat when you have him…this should be the focus of our attention and the children who need our prayers.
