Joe Paterno/Photo by Eric Weiss
The Penn State University Board of Trustees made the decision Wednesday night to relieve Joe Paterno of his head coaching duties of the Penn State Nittany Lion’s football program.
Following the revelations of a sex scandal involving former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, his penchant for young boys, and the illogical cover up of his activities, the university and its administrators came under intense fire — rightfully so.
Although reportedly unaware of graphic details at the time, it is evident that Paterno was aware that SOMETHING inappropriate happened; he just didn’t take it very seriously.
How could Sandusky be given a pass? How could this be allowed to happen, repeatedly? Where was the accountability? The moral compass? The outrage?
The failure by Penn State officials and/or faculty to place the welfare of these innocent children first, is in my opinion, criminal in and of itself. Neglecting to contact police or Child Protective Services to report Sandusky’s improprieties was a misstep that cannot be ignored.
The Board of Trustees did the right thing by firing Joe Paterno (university president Graham Spanieris also gone). The decision was not well-received by some students however, as was evidenced by the rioting that took place on campus. Some students seemed to be quite upset that Joe Pa will not be allowed to coach his final game at Beaver Stadium.
*crickets*
I feel terrible for Sandusky’s victims — THEY WERE INNOCENT LITTLE BOYS.
I am sorry that the current members of the football team have to have this mess hanging over their season. But, the magnitude of this situation is greater than the game and greater than the university’s storied reputation.
Will Paterno’s legacy be tarnished behind this scandal? Yes. Unfortunately, the young men who’s childhoods were disrupted by a pedophile suffer a tarnishing that could last a lifetime.
The Grand Jury Report (parental discretion advised) of the Penn State/Sandusky scandal can be read HERE.
