Keidel: Joe Paterno’s Fatal Flaw

November 21, 2011 12:51 PM

(credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images)

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By Jason Keidel
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Back in the 1990s I had a friend whose father, I later learned, had an inappropriate interest in children. After trolling the Internet, he found a child in a chat room. After a day of dialogue, he made online arrangements to meet the child at a hotel for a sexual encounter. When he arrived at the hotel, an FBI agent was waiting for him. The father was snagged in a sting where agents were posing as kids, luring predators.

My friend moved shortly thereafter and we lost contact, so I don’t know how things ended. I didn’t think about the father because we know such people exist, at least in the abstract. We have vague connections to evil, via classrooms, books, and films. But I thought about my friend, and how he would view his dad after discovering the disgusting impulses pulsing through his own flesh and blood.

Suffice it to say that the father-son bond is far more profound than anything Jerry Sandusky had with Penn State coaches, particularly Joe Paterno.

In most cases, the more we learn about something, the clearer we are. Not with Penn State, where this sickening spool unravels, revealing more lies and subterfuge. It seems every bottom has trap doors.

So I wonder what compels any peripheral player, from Mike McQueary up the food chain, to keep this nauseating secret. McQueary is in full spin mode, texting and emailing his innocence, asserting that he “stopped” Sandusky’s assault on that child in that shower. Yet the police say nary a word was heard from McQueary in 2002.

The obvious answer is that lesser mortals were petrified of Paterno, who was protecting the school, himself, or both. But could he think that concealing child rape on his turf was protecting anything? Is power that intoxicating? Have his morals mutated so drastically that he could only see Saturdays through his thick glasses?

Paterno, who expressed such eagerness to address this matter with the media, has lawyer-ed up, and shifted assets to his wife in a preemptive strike against civil suits. The next time we hear from “JoePa” (it makes me sick to spout that nickname, even sardonically) will be on the witness stand.

If Paterno has nothing to hide, why is he hiding? Why isn’t he as publicly and privately outraged as the rest of us? Why does he wish he’d done more if nothing happened? Why isn’t he perched under one of those advocacy tents dishing out child abuse pamphlets?

It reminds me of a scene from the film, “Glengarry Glenn Ross,” when Alan Arkin told Al Pacino that he didn’t know what to tell the police after the office they shared was robbed. “Tell them the truth,” Pacino said. “It’s the easiest thing to remember.” Paterno can’t remember the truth because he can’t remember the last time he lived in it.

And don’t you look at interim coach Tom Bradley with at least a suspicious eye? Bradley has been with the school since 1979, and, frankly, I see him as part of the problem. During his press conference last week, a stiff Bradley answered every question about the scandal with a stern non sequitur. “I’m focused on Ohio State,” he repeated, seemingly indignant that we dare ask about the biggest sports scandal in American history. After losing to Nebraska, Bradley, said he sensed that healing began. Mr. Bradley is delusional, and his bags should be packed the moment the football season ends, assuming the feds don’t find him more nefarious.

But Penn State is now investigating the matter, and will hold a press conference today to discuss their progress, insulting our intelligence for the nth time. And no, this story isn’t old or over because two weeks have passed since it broke, not even close.

If head coaches and assistant coaches, from Barry Switzer to Matt Paknis, are correct, then everyone on Penn State’s coaching staff knew Sandusky ran far afoul of the law, even if they didn’t have all details. That would include the current coach, Bradley. Sports Illustrated reported that word even seeped into local barbershop. But we’re supposed to believe that the police, Paterno, and Penn State were shocked by the news.

If the stench of these crimes wafted through stores and scores of other local commerce, how can we ever believe that the school and city’s czar (Paterno) didn’t? And how can so many people know and so few act? A local high school blew the whistle on Sandusky, not Penn State, not Paterno. Is it possible that Paterno was so powerful that he could suppress his staff, his campus, college and police? Can one man do this?

If he can, why would he? By all accounts, the relationship between Paterno and his defensive coordinator was strained at best. Former graduate assistant Paknis told Mike Francesa that Sandusky said he hated Paterno. Let’s assume that the feeling is mutual, and that Paknis’s portrait of Paterno is complete, that Paterno was so swathed in self-interest, his narcissism so thorough, that he only cared about his own career and image. It would have served himself to stop the madness, even made him a savior to intrude on those sick interludes.

Since Paterno’s secret handle is “The Rat” why not perpetuate the pathology by snitching on Sandusky? Indeed, calling out a child predator would only enhance Paterno’s paternal reputation as the vanguard of veracity, austerity and adolescents. And it would have spared countless kids from the talons of Jerry Sandusky. No doubt the school would take a hit, but it would have been brief compared to the toxic metaphysical fence that surrounds State College now, perhaps for the next decade. Perhaps longer. How many moms of 18-year-old football studs are thinking, son, I really see you in a Penn State uniform?

Wouldn’t we be naïve to assume it started in 1998? Or 1994? A doctor called Mike Francesa and said child molesters begin their assault on youngsters “as soon as they can.” Sandusky became Paterno’s defensive coordinator in 1977 (when he also started the charity he used as a funnel to find fragile kids). So, based on the good doctor’s depiction, wouldn’t the abuse have started back then?

The Penn State story makes any sane mammal sick. But we must watch. And it’s not the proverbial car wreck, spiritual rubbernecking, or voyeurism. It’s so incongruous when you consider what happened and who allowed it to happen. We can’t comprehend this. Maybe we can comprehend this together.

When we think – at least when I think – of the rare monolith like Paterno, an autocrat of a college football fiefdom, an image of cloaking minor transgressions comes to mind. Perhaps a booster slips an envelope under the table to a prized recruit and the coach keeps it hushed. Maybe even a star’s parents get free rent for a few years. All of that falls under the morally vague and misguided bylaws of the NCAA. Many of us think players should be paid, anyway. But not this. The Brand can’t shield child rape.

The Costas interview only made it worse, filled with euphemisms like “horsing around.” Sandusky’s soliloquy after a simple question – are you sexually attracted to young boys? – told us all we needed to know.

And now sports dignitaries have chimed in, looking downright dumb in the process. Coach K, whom I respect endlessly, tried to play the age card. “You’ve gotta understand,” said the iconic coach, “Coach Paterno is 84…” Meaning what? Child rape was okay in Paterno’s day? Paterno has gone from lucid librarian to senile, stumbling mummy rather quickly. But he wasn’t 84 in 2002, 1998, or 1977.

Franco Harris, a Penn State alum and one of the dynastic Steelers I worshipped as a child, added to the semantic sewage by defending Paterno. And countless accounts from folks who attended the Nebraska contest said myriad vigils were planted inside and outside the stadium in Paterno’s honor. And we’ve seen footage of fools kneeling outside the disgraced coach’s house, praying for, well, whatever.

If you can’t express sympathy for the abused children, anger at the abuser, or indignity toward those who protected this monster, shut up. We’re trying to understand this.

Paterno will engender sympathy now that he’s been diagnosed with a treatable form of cancer. Yet the cancer on his campus was left untreated for decades, while he was the head doctor.

Feel free to email me: Keidel.Jason@gmail.com

www.twitter.com/JasonKeidel

Your thoughts on JoePa and the Penn State scandal? Be heard in the comments below…

JK

For the Paterno apologists – and I can’t believe how many of you admit you exist – please explain why Sandusky magically retired the year after a scathing report was written about him…

A coincidence, no doubt. And he was probably 20-years deep into molestation at that point, yet the almighty “Joe Pa” allowed him on the campus for another 12 years. This is the man you defend because the pristine profile you’ve conjured has been eviscerated.

Hmmmmmmm

The university was downsizing and had an accelerated retirement program which granted tenure and special benefits to those age 55 and over with certain numbers of years service. Paterno had told Sandusky he would not be the next headcoach as Sandusky and he never got along and Sandusky created an atmosphere of defense vs offense which was create silos amongts the team and other coaches.
OR he thought it would be better to let a pedophile roam around abusing kids on the chance that maybe he’d stop or never get caught. Right Sparky

Sully

Standing ovation

I’ve heard a lot of crack pot excuses but this is the first I heard the top assistant coach in football and a respected member of the program that brings in tens of millions of dollars a year to the University got fired because a bean counter wanted to save money on a pension.

The most breathtakingly original excuse I’ve heard yet

I am in awe

Lisa

Not to mention that Sandusky had been voted NCAA’s Assistant of the Year in 1998. But I guess he wanted to take advantage of those retirement benefits.

BTW, why would Paterno tell Sandusky he would never be his successor? And just happen to tell him that after 1998?

Sully

No it makes perfect sense that when you are considered the top assistant in the country and could make millions of dollars as a head football coach and bring a lot of attention to your foundation that you would retire right then and there.

If Penn State didn’t want him to take over, of course you wouldn’t say “I am going to take my services elsewhere” because of course there would be no Division 1 college program that would be willing to give him a shot.

No, the logical thing to do is say “I’m going to give up everything I’ve been working for to run this foundation…”

And by a strange coincidence that happened right after an incident involving a kid came up and after he was confronted by the child’s mother.

JMS

what scathing report are you referring to JK?
JMS

also, under what authority could paterno prevent him from coming on campus? for sure he is “mr. penn state” and his influence most certainly extended past his title of head coach but i question whether it extended as far as you suggest in this comment.

Sully

Yeah you are right
The guy in charge of the program that brings in tens of millions of dollars to the school and keeps the local economy afloat probably wouldn’t have the swing to tell the guards who to keep out of the gym

Try again

Diane DiPiero Rodio

For the love of heaven, take the attention away from Paterno and on to Sandusky, who is the ALLEGED CRIMINAL. This is ridiculous already. You are doing nothing for the victims, although you claim to be.

JMS

w/all due respect to the victims and their families, they are nameless/faceless to us (w/good reason). we can’t discuss them or offer them our good will. we can only offer them our prayers in private. furthermore, if a cover up exists, its the far more newsworthy story as it would have facilitated this monster’s continuing intrusions into the lives of these innocent kids.
JK

Indeed, Diane, is the man who could (and should) have stopped the many of the crimes not at all culpable? Why is Paterno so sanctified? Everyone from Barry Switzer to Paterno’s own graduate assistant said Paterno HAD to know. Listen to Paknis’s interview with Francesa. His locker was literally next to Paterno’s.

Hmmmmmm

You’re relying on Barry F’ing Switzer and some guy who spent a yr as a graduate assistant at Penn State and admitts he has NO knowledge of Sandusky’s activiies but he believes that Paterno had to know and I’m the clown. LOL
p.s. I saw a Michael Jackson interview where he admitted to sleeping in bed with boys, oh yea he was acquitted.

Sully

So a Santa Barbara jury couldn’t convict Michael Jackson… ergo Sandusky didn’t rape a kid?

Trying to follow

Diane DiPiero Rodio

Paterno was fired. The BIg Ten took his name off the championship trophy. There is no mention of Joe Paterno on the Penn State website; it’s as if he didn’t exist. I’m sorry; should we also shoot him at sunrise? What about Curly and Schultz? What about law enforcement, which did nothing with the 1998 allegations? Do you see what I and others are trying to say? None of that matters because Paterno is the big name here. Having his name splashed on headlines and made out to be the most evil guy in all of this — more evil than Sandusky — grabs people’s attention. Jerry Sandusky allegedly was able to smooth talk his way into people’s lives and then commit the most heinous crimes. No, I don’t know either why Paterno and McQueary and whoever else knew about the 2002 incident were able to still see him in the football facilities and not go ballistic, so let’s let independent investigations help us answer that.

Diane DiPiero Rodio

And let’s see… Franco Harris, Matt Millen, LaVar Arrington, Todd Blackledge, Coach K, even BILL CLINTON have said they believe Paterno to be a man of integrity. I think former OSU coach John Cooper said that Paterno probably got what he deserved in this incident, but that he was a man who truly tried to make a difference throughout most of his career. But let’s listen to Barry Switzer, for heaven’s sake, or one grad assistant. Yes, that’s enough evidence to prove that Joe Paterno was a snake in the grass from the very beginning. BTW, I was a journ/English major at Penn State, and I have been searching for objective, fair and insightful reporting on this scandal. I have found very little.

Sully

A man of integrity would have called the cops on a child rapist

You can bring all the character witnesses in the world out and have Jesus Christ himself give him a vote of confidence and it doesn’t invalidate my first sentence

Lisa

Actually, Jason’s doing a lot for the victims. More than Joe Paterno ever did. Reminding people of the shame of Penn State, and how a school put worshiping at the feet of Joe Paterno above helping rescue children, is always a worthwhile endeavor.

not one of jason’s personal friends posting on his crappy article

What in the world are you talking about. Paterno was fired, based on media assumption about what he knew and what he didn’t do. He was charged with nothing. He was a fully cooperative witness. Nice cover up Joe. You and your ilk would have us believe that Joe Paterno conducted a cover up and knowingly let a pedophile continue to harm children and then forgot to sink up stories with Curley and Schultz before the grand jury testimony.
Even if you and your ilk luike Jason are 100% correct it still doesn’t make an entire university community culpable. Ever heard of Joe McCarthy.

Sully

I really hope you are referring to former Yankee manager Joe McCarthy

doctorvandermast

Good essay on Paterno.

Football is a world that glorifies machismo. The actions of Paterno
and the rest involved shame the term “cowardly”. It’s too bad we don’t
have a medal of dishonor to award these guys.

Sandusky is a person caught in a horrible obsessive compulsion to do
evil things. He’s sick. Paterno however made a cold, calculated,
conscious decision that benefited himself and harmed children. He
wasn’t driven to it by some powerful desire he couldn’t control. I
see what Paterno did as far more evil.

Hmmmmmm

Wow really, pretty sure even Jason and most other posters on his side of the argument would disagree with you.
You sir are sick. Furthermore based on the FACTS, Paterno called his superiors and cooperated fully and testified truthfully (according to the grand jury and the Pa Attorney General) but you obviously know better.

JK

I love clowns like you, Hmmmmm, who hide behind handles as imaginative as 8-tracks. And then you stalk me on facebook, noting that I listen to Michael Jackson, as though owning “Thriller” is even peripherally salient. You just want attention, and I’m sad (and perhaps stupid) to provide you some.

Hmmmmmm

Damn your burnin up the thesaurus and dictionary on this one. If I wanted attention I’d use my name Sherlock. I want to draw attention to your moronic writing that has no basis in FACT and ingnores the FACTS.
Hmmmmmmm

Um Stalking ah no, it’s called google Jason give it a try sometime when Barry Switzer isn’t providing you with facts you might actually find some real facts.

Lisa

Are you even aware of what Barry Switzer said, or are you just spouting off because his name was mentioned? Switzer said all the coaches had to know what was going on. Given that one of Switzer’s old coaches just happens to be a coach on Penn State’s staff, I think he might actually know what he is talking about here.

JMB

Even if you are correct about Sandusky’s “obsessive compulsion” why is what Paterno allegedly did or did not do worse? Perhaps winning is his “obsessive compulsion.” How do you rate one as inherently more evil than another? What about Sandusky’s willingness to lie about his “sickness” when confronted with Costas’ question. It’s all about self interest. That’s the problem.

JMS

i imagine he’s making the distinction of one bieng an uncontrollable urge while the other’s pure vanity. i found it to be an interesting slant although i’m not convinced either “motivation” really applies.

JMS

Also, in thinking about this case and how it relates to paterno, my thoughts turn to the recent public undressing of dominique strauss khan before the alleged “victim” turned out to be a scam artist or the duke lacrosse players who whose lives were forever changed because of prematurely scandalous headlines and a public rush to judgment

Lisa

Um, do you understand the difference between one person’s word against another, vs. multiple victims, and several witnesses, and the defendant’s admission that he showered with young boys? Or a district attorney quickly indicting for political reasons without all the facts, vs. a three-year investigation?

I’m sick and tired of Paterno apologists screaming “Duke Lacrosse” or “DSK” to defend their hero. Not to mention the odiousness of insinuating that young children alleging that they were raped by Jerry Sandusky are really scam artists looking for a payday. Because that is EXACTLY what you are saying in comparing them to the Duke Lacrosse case. Disgraceful.

Sully

It just goes to show you why the victims stayed silent.

If people like JMS would blame 10 year old rape victims before admitting Joe Paterno did anything wrong, then imagine the mob mentality at Happy Valley if they came out.

Imagine the stuff they DON’T say in public about 10 year old rape victims.

They couldn’t get even a buck from each fan at the game for them.
JMS

i most certainly did not mean to suggest these kids were scam artists and my reference only went to paterno, not sandusky. when multiple, unrelated abuse victims give similar testimony abt the same person it tends to prove out true. my only point was that paterno has been publicly castigated based on unproven, questionably reliable testimony, as were DSK & the duke lacrosse players. as i said in a prior post, grand jury proceedings are notoriously one sided, free from evidentiary controls and are often tossed out once exculpatory evidence is presented at trial. not saying this will or won’t happen on this case, just that it’s too early for me to accept mcqueary’s GJ testimony as the gospel, espeically since he’s now sending out emails to friends which essentially contradicts it.

Sully

You didn’t mean to suggest these kids were scam artists?

You equated them with Duke Lacrosse.
And part of the testimony non Penn State fans are basing their opinion on was what Joe Paterno said under oath.

So I guess if you aren’t calling the kids scam artists then you must be equating Joe Paterno with Dominque Strauss Khan.

I love how you can write a post where, sorry, you equated the kids accusing Sandusky with the Duke Lacrosse case… then when someone calls you out on it you say “No, I’m not saying the kids were scamming. I’m just saying that…”

Actually I can’t even guess what you are saying .
Sully

By the way, JMS… this is what you wrote:
“Also, in thinking about this case and how it relates to paterno, my thoughts turn to the recent public undressing of dominique strauss khan before the alleged “victim” turned out to be a scam artist or the duke lacrosse players who whose lives were forever changed because of prematurely scandalous headlines and a public rush to judgment”

Sorry buddy… you were equating 10 year old rape victims with a scam artist

It’s right there.

Not out of context.

All Lisa did was call you out and you did your tour de France backpeddling
Lisa

Oh, please When you compare this case to Duke Lacrosse, that is *exactly* what you are doing — suggesting the kids are scam artists. Words mean something.

“Questionably reliable testimony”? Sandusky is facing 40 COUNTS related to child molestation, with multiple witnesses against them.

You ever hear about the old adage that when you’re in a hole, stop digging? Dude, put down the shovel already.

JMS

I think the old addage that “there’s no cure for stupid” actually applies here. i can’t help that you don’t have the intellect to look past your simplistic interpretation of my post even after i gave you the ESL explanation. i have very close family members that have been the vicitms of pedophiles and its an issue i’m extremely sensitive to. this is an article about PATERNO. my post specifically stated that i was referring only to PATERNO yet you insist on being a mind reader and imputing sanduskky and those poor kids into my post. sheesh!

Lisa

I got your point the first time, dude. We all did. Next time, think before you speak, so you don’t sound like an ignoramus again.
JK

JMS is tired of getting his A$$ handed to him by Lisa and Sully, so he’s back to calling me a hack. It’s brilliant logic from a lawyer. (Assuming anyone believes he’s an attorney). And he, walking in lockstep with his ideological (Paterno apologist) brethren, he hides behind a handle and refuses to reveal his location. He probably switches pseudonyms every few hours just to feel clever.

I just want to properly frame the debate to date: “Paterno didn’t know about Sandusky in 1994 because Jason’s a hack. Paterno didn’t know in 1998 because Jason’s a hack. Paterno didn’t know in 2002 because Jason’s a hack. Paterno notified all the proper people because Jason’s a hack. Paterno called the cops posthaste because Jason’s a hack. Paterno will be exculpated of all malfeasance because Jason’s a hack.”

I feel smarter by the second when I listen to Paterno apologists.

Sully

Ladies and gentlemen… the new low.

This isn’t one adult’s word in one incident against Sandusky

These are multiple victims over many years.
This is at least one victim where there is an eye witness to the event
This is at least one incident that Sandusky could not deny that he was naked with a boy 45 years his junior in an inappropriate way

And you are comparing these boys with what happened at Duke?

You are reading all of this and said “Let’s blame boys who got raped?”

Ladies and Gentlemen, the new low. I thought I heard it all.

Take a bow JMS
It takes a lot to be “the lowest internet comment I’ve ever read in my life”

JMS

why don’t you read my post again and pay particular attention to the first sentence b4 u pronouce me the lowest of the low you drama queen. it says: “in thinking about this case, AND HOW IT RELATES TO PATERNO”. SHEESH. I said nothing abt Sandusky or those poor kids. your comment shows as much responsibility as these internet “journalists” who don’t bother to check facts or distinguish their opinions as such. when multiple, unrelated abuse victims give similar testimony abt the same person it tends to prove out true and i don’t for one second beleive sandusky is innocent nor do i “blame” those poor defenseless children. lets see if ur man enough to apologize though i doubt it.

Sully

How it relates to Paterno…

Well, we have Joe Pa testifying that he knew something in 2002 and never called the cops and we know that Joe Pa sat on the Second Mile board while someone he was told raped a child in 2002 was around kids

We have more and more information coming out that there were incidents many years prior.

And we know the absolute minimum that Joe Paterno knew about this was 9 years.

And somehow all of this magically reminded you of a case of false accusation at a major college where the rape victim turned out to be a scam artist

But somehow that DOESN’T mean you are calling the rape victim in this case at a major university scam artists

New low

JMS

as i thought. not man enough to do the right thing.the fact that the DSK and Duke matters also involved allegations of sex crimes is purely coincidental. the common thread i was referring to is that grand jury indictments that were sensationalized by he media led to a public rush to judgment before any facts were actually proven (or thoroughly investigated for that matter). the indictments were later tossed for and the allegations proven false. in this case a grand jury indictment, while not charging paterno, has led to a public rush to judgment resulting in him losing his job and being villianized worldwide. that was my comparison, nothing more, nothing less. the fact that you and Lisa chose to either read what you wanted to read or, in the alternative, intentionally misconstrued it for dramatic effect, does not change the clear meaning of my post. in the future i’ll be sure to s-p-e-l-l out my reference precisely for the not so bright posters like yourself

Sully

“Duke matters also involved allegations of sex crimes is purely coincidental”

The fact that you typed this sentence actually made me laugh out loud.

Good work

It is a coincidence that you started thinking about a rape case at a major university that turned out to be fake.

Please confirm that you are actually expecting anyone to believe that you could have picked any case in the world and by, your words, a coincidence you thought of one involving a big college… lots of anger… rape… and scam artists.

I am in more awe than I was when I saw the Grand Canyon

That is the Sistine Chapel of B.S.

Sully

Why exactly would I apologize to you for calling you out on a staggeringly offensive steaming pile of bull crap?

JMS

oh…i don’t know, maybe because in my 5:14 pm post, which was written before the one you are attacking, offers my prayers and support to the victims and their families and identifies sandusky as a monster. but why would you want to refer to that post when you can just attack me for saying something i never said? i suspect that you are either a pot stirring internet troll or a, giving you the benefit of the doubt, someone who’s so outraged by the allegations that you can’t help but feed your appetite for vengeance, even if the object of your outrage has yet to be heard or the testimony that has damned him cross examined. for whatever its worth, i will admit that the evidence i’ve seen tends to suggest paterno should’ve done more. unlike you, i’m merely reserving judgment until all facts are known and i’m reasonably sure of it. for my part, a guy like paterno who’s done a lifetime of good and upheld the academic integrity of his program where most others have failed has earned at least that.

Sully

Where do I have an appetite for vengenge?

I think that if someone has knowledge of a child rapist, their first instinct SHOULDN’T be “What the least I need to do to cover myself.”

I think that over the next 9 years they should, I don’t know, find out what happened and call a cop.

That’s not vengeance
That’s common decency

Now forgive me if I don’t buy your take that you randomly brought up Duke Lacrosse.

“No, it is a coincidence that I brought up a case involving rape in a major university where it turned out that it all turned out to be a scam.”

Sorry buddy.
The best step is to say “Ok. My bad.” And move on.

JMS

Your appetite for vengeance is patently obvious by your systematic attack of every poster on this board who takes any position that is not 100 percent in line with yours. i’m starting to recognize your type sir. you have probably never been wrong about anything in your entire life and you eschew meaningful discussion and the exchange of theories for insult/antagonism b/c your intellectual insecuriites preclude you from engaging in any type of excersise that might expose a flaw in your thought process. i’m fairly certain the phrase “reasonable minds can disagree” has never entered your vocabulary and instead of responding to the substance of what others say you insult it with off color hyperbole such as “sistine chapel of BS” or “steaming pile of bullcrap”. you, sir, are not worth another ounce of my effort and I’m going to take the high road and wish you a good day.

JMB

We know two things know for sure. One is that Jerry Sandusky is not innocent. We know this because he told us in his rambling answer to Bob Costas. The second is that his actrions impacted the lives of the truly innocent: children. This is a train wreck and what this situation speaks to is the horrific imperfection of human nature. Looking backwards does nothing. How far back in time or the number of children is simply dessert for the infotainment junkiesis that we human beings are. Just one incident should be enough to cause a witness to scream for help. But having said that, the bedrock of our justice system is innocent until proven guilty. All this outrage without suggestions for solutions just shows our malignant willingness to judge everyone else in the worst light. Are you so sure what you would have done? We’d all like to think that we would have done more than what apparently was done. But all we really know is that Sandusky’s meaning of “loving” children is warped and that his alleged actions are incomprehensible. Hopefullywe will all learn from the mistakes of the Penn State “system” and take actions to ensure change. If not, well then all this “talk” means nothing.
Doctor ?

A well written article, expressing my own feelings. When a coach or secondary celebrity garners more attention than abused children, you have to wonder about America. The shield of Justice has failed these victims. I fear the sword of Justice will prove to be dull and rusty.

Hmmmmmm

when a coach or secondary celebrity garner more attention than the Monster pedophile himself, you have to wonder about America and the motives of the writer.

JK

If I ask really nicely, Hmmmmmmmmmmmm…will you go away?
Sully

So I take it you think that if a child is raped, you wouldn’t call the cops on the rapist?

JMS

Jason: a grand jury investgation is essentially a prosecutor”s personal feifdom where he can acheive his desired result w/o being limited by rules of evidence, hearsay objections, cross examination of witnesses or any partipation by the defendant or his counsel. With that in mind i’m always a bit skeptical of these indictments as I’ve seen too many of them tossed out. couple this w/mcqueary’s phantom police report and his latest claim of leading the victim to safety (in direct contravention of his GJ testimony) and all of a sudden it gets a bit cloudy to me. also, for all we know, mcqueary will turn into another mark fuhrman upon cross examination at trial. since so much of paterno and the adminitration’s culpability seems to be riding on the truth and verascity of mcqueary’s grand jury testimony, i will choose to withhold judgment of paterno and the psu administration until all facts are known.
douglas

JK — agree with you 100%. I do understand that a lot of Joe Pa’s supporters will not. That’s OK. I think Poe Pa had a moral obligation to make the “right call” and he did not. He merely bucked it up the Penn State chain of hierarchy. And that wasn’t enough. And your comment on Coach K was spot on. He joins Ashton K. for the dumbest remark about this sordid situation made to the media. I have no doubt that Jerry S. will be convicted by a jury of his peers. Joe’s legacy is in tatters and he will find it difficult to rebuild it — because he can’t go back 10 years ago and do what he should have done — gone to the police and report a criminal act — a rape of a young man — had just happened on the Penn State campus — and that there was an eye witness.
Susan

This is the first intelligent dissertation on one of the most twisted and convoluted series of events I’ve seen in a long time. Unfortunately, the plot will only thicken and many more implicated as time goes on. Thanks for this lucid assessment. Hard hitting and objective. Two attributes I wish Penn State leaders possessed.

JK

Marry me, Susan.

I’m joking, of course, but it’s because of people like you – who actually read my entire piece and actually understand what I’m saying – who make the writing worthwhile. Thank you.

Hmmmmmmmm,

Maybe, but first uh Susan, Penn State leaders FIRED one of the longest tenured and most respect Presidents in the universities history and the winningest coach in college footbal history…..HELLO anyone home?
p.s. they did that based on indictments, not convictions

EJS

Where are your facts to back up all the wild assertions about Joe Paterno? I’ve read the grand jury presentment and it doesn’t supply any facts to back up this exercise in malicious speculation, guess and conjecture.

JK

Malicious speculation? Is that an oxymoron? I know this hurts, but that whole FIrst Amendment thing assures my right to do what you just did – express an opinion.

I don’t care to burden you with facts, but nearly EVERYONE with substantial college coaching experience – like Barry Switzer and Paterno’s own graduate assistant – guarantees that Paterno knew. The fact that you don’t want it to be so doesn’t change the reality.

Hmmmmmmm

Wow does CBS really want there name associated with this incredibly amateur work. Dufus Barry Switzer nor any other college fball coach would have the first inkling of what Joe paterno knew or didn’t know, you can’t really be this dense can you. Sparky, are you saying that because barry switzer opines on something it becomes fact. Dude if you ever thought for one second that you were a journalist, you were WRONG!!!!

Hmmmmmm

From Jason’s Facebook page, not kidding.

Arts and Entertainment
Music: Michael Jackson

JK

Were you born or hatched? Your answer would explain a lot.
Sully

If you looked at MY Facebook file you’d see that I list Chinatown and Rosemary’s Baby are two of my favorite movies

Doesn’t mean I don’t think Roman Polanski isn’t a twisted dude who went too far.

Joe Paterno is and always will be a great football coach

He just couldn’t be bothered to help raped kids

Tom

If you search diligently re Dan Connor being arrested re harassing phone calls to a retired Penn State assistant coach, an obvious and truly ugly scenario is raised. I expect that Dan Connor has been interviewed recently but also expect he’s been asked to not reveal the nature of his phone calls, or why he made them. Extrapolate a bit re 15 such phone calls and that he was suspended by coach Paterno.. and ask the next obvious questions .. What agency was able to trace those calls.. what agency notified Paterno .. what did that agency tell Paterno.. I’m not critiquing Dan Connor.. in fact he seems to be one of the only persons who tried to do anything..
JK

People, please read the grand jury report. Then explain how a separate book report was written on Sandusky’s malfeasance back in 1998 and explain how Paterno didn’t know. Just stop it. Please.

Bob Fleck, State college, PA

Everybody needs to understand the Grand Jury report is only a summary of the testimony, not actual word for word as in a court trial. Many of the facts were not included and will not be known until these people actually come to trial. Much of what you have written is heresay, assumption and mostly opinion, not fact.

JK

Mr. Fleck, feel free to stalk other writers. Your redundancy is bordering on psychosis.

Fleck, state Colelge, PA

JK why don’t you come to State College and say that you miserable lying coward!! You so called journaist are in this for only one reason. I hope you all burn in hell.

Sully

Yeah JK! Why don’t you go to the place where logic and reason end and idol worship begins?

Hey Fleck… put down the Pom Poms for a moment.

1. What is the one reason that “journaists” are in it for?
2. Do you REALLY think JK deserves to be tortured for eternity for writing a post you didn’t like?
3. Do you think that JK deserves that more than someone who wouldn’t call the cops and allowed kids to be around a child rapist for at the VERY least 9 years?
4. Do you realize that people only threaten when they run out of logical arguments?

Sully

I am shocked to see someone from State College PA falling on the “Paterno Apologist” bandwagon

JMS

i read the grand jury report and it left me w/more questions than answers, especially w/repect to mcqueary’s testimony. admittidly, i wasn’t there to see him testify and the grand jury took his account over the other 2 indicted psu admins but mcqueary’s recent statements which seem to contradict his original testimony have reallly disturbed me.

Frank

I guess Alan Dershowitz and all of Harvard support child abuse and are misguided and ignorant since Dershowitz has said the Trustees wronged Paterno with his firing. Everyone in the Clinton Whitehouse supported sexual harassment and all should have been fired and excoriated for such. All Catholics who continue to go to church on Sunday support child abuse. I could go on and on. You people are unbelievable, we clearly don’t need judges and juries anymore we just need Jason to fill in all the Facts for us. Please call the Pa Attorney General because apparently you have it all figured out.

JK

You’ll have to explain what Alan Dershowitz has to do with Penn State. Your relativism is irrelevant. And the Catholic Church has nothing to do with this. (And no, I’m not a Catholic.)

Forty counts of child molestation and such clearly aren’t enough for you. I’ll write another column for you when there are fifty.

Frank

You just did it again, unbelievable. You have No idea what my overall opinion of the situation is and yet you try to paint me as someone who doesn’t care about child abuse. One act of abuse is abominable you pretentious hack.
Franco Harris graduated from Penn State about 40 years ago, he speaks for himself. Alan Dershowitz has looked at the publicly know facts and has written his opinion regarding the Paterno firing the same way Franco has. I happen to disagree. Paterno had to go no matter what he knew or didn’t know as some of the alleged incidents happened on his watch. But suggesting that those that disagree somehow support or ignore child abuse is asinine..

JK

Where did I say you don’t care about child abuse? This is pointless. Happy Thanksgiving, sir.

Frank

What’s pointless is your article which presupposes that any number of people would knowingly allow a pedophile to harm children and then continue to associate with him for the good of the program. Are you kidding me. Paterno and a couple of administrators maybe but a dozen or so educated professionals. Come on. I am sure you are aware that Sandusky adopted 6 children, was foster parent and ran a multimillion dollar childrens charity providing service to over 100,000 children. Guess what you don’t just adopt kids at will. The charity interacted with dozens of child psychologists and psychiatrists and professionals. Countless people interacted with Sandusky and his charity but only Joe Paterno and Penn State coaches knew or should have known about him? Ok. A three year investigation by the grand jury apparently wasn’t as in depth as your “come on people” analysis. I suppose Paterno and crew just kept there fingers crossed that he wouldn’t get caught. Common sense anyone……

Rich

Well put….articles like this aren’t concerned with common sense…just number of internet hits…hence the name Joe Paterno in the title…Sandusky continues to enjoy the autumn with a cup of tea on his porch…

JK

Right, Ricardo. After writing over 200 columns for WFAN/CBS, today is the day I decided I need attention – and from you, no less.

I love robust debate, but some of you people are as warped as that mummified coach you so ardently defend. Get a grip, a life, or both.

PSU Supporter

What happened in the Catholic church is far worse than the PSU situation, not to mention much more widespread. Of course the abuse hundreds of boys by priests over decade should be overlooked.

PSU Supporter

Disappointed in your sanctimonious article. The Penn State bashing needs to end and allow the healing process to begin.

JK

When does the healing process begin? When another dozen kids come forward? Shed your Paterno myopia and look at the facts. Please.

SLY

Joe Paterno IS NOT Penn State. When will you and the rest of the Penn State bashers get off YOUR sanctimonious high horses? STOP spraying your poisonous venom over all of the students and alumni of the university. As an alum, I am SICK of it…WE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS!

JK

Paterno is not Penn State? Are you from Earth? Your answer would explain a lot.

HMMMMMMMM

Barry Switzer said so.

Bob Fleck, State college, PA

It’s guys like you who don’t want the healing to begin because you need something to write and lie about. You woldn’t know a fact if it hit you in the head, which is the only place it wouldn’t hurt you. Have a nice Thanksgiving and when you are praying, which I assume you do on occasion, think about all the people you hurt when you write this garbage. Thanksgiving is about compassion and forgiveness as well as all the rest. Try to have some of each as you enjoy your Turkey.

Sully

Penn State bashing?
Oh you mean implying that people who knew about child rape not coming forward about child rape and putting kids in danger of being raped did something wrong?

That’s not Penn State bashing
That’s called stating obvious facts

PK

Your entire premise is flawed, because you base this article on the supposition that JoePa had knowledge of this situation prior to 2002. That hasn’t been established at all by anyone.

I think it’s a little low-brow to take the easy route and write such a sanctimonious criticism of the absolute easiest target in this whole mess. Plus, this isn’t even very well written.

JK

No, sir. My supposition is that Paterno knew long before then. Of course, I look forward to your column on the matter. Where is it, again?

PK

I’m a lawyer, not a hack amateur blogger. So you won’t see an article from me.

JK

I imagine you’re a hack at both. Happy Thanksgiving, sir.

Robert Fleck, State College, PA

It certainly is easy for such as yourself to look at this situation in the way you do in this horrific “Editorial”. None of these people have been convicted of any crimes up to now, yet you and many others in your profession, and I use the term very loosely here, have already convicted everyone involved without benefit of having all the facts or a juriy’s decision. Is this really the way “professional” journalists do things these days: Your opinon is to be seen as the gospel truth. If so I won’t be a part of it and no one else should be either. The truth will be told and then and only then should you spread it.

JK

Ah, the Kool-Aid is still strong in State College. I’m sorry your hero harbored a child rapist. Not my fault, sir. Look at them, and then yourself. Please.

Bob Fleck, State College, PA

No KoolAid here… just saying a fair and objective reporting by all media is needed, no, required. You are a HACK of the first order and should be somewhere in a hometown paper in Idaho where your hate filled opinions can do little harm and no one there cares. And by the way, no one in State College cares what you or anyone else thinks. WE ARE…PENN STATE!!!

PSU Supporter

Couldn’t have said it better myself. I for one will always be Penn State proud. This fool’s assumptions speaks volumes of his ignorance.

Diane DiPiero Rodio

Right on, Bob Fleck and PSY Supporter! There has been nothing but conjecture and innuendo being filtered through the media. It’s all to slam Penn State and Paterno. When you do find the rare article on Sandusky, it’s usually about how people thought he was a great person and this wasn’t in his character. I’ve read the sickening grand jury statement three times, and, okay, you can be disappointed in Paterno, but to vilify more than Sandusky is purely wrong.

JK

Indeed, everyone who disagrees with you is a hack. Feel free to listen to Francesa’s interview with Matt Paknis. It’s on this site. Of course, you both probably know more than someone who actually coached under Sandusky and Paterno.

And I hate to burden you with facts, but try them sometime. Paterno knew everything that went on at Penn State, even the most minor malfeasance. Yet he didn’t know about the voluminous report written about Sandusky in 1998? Should you shed your Penn State Snuggies, you may find your world less warped.
Sully

Since when is a Grand Jury testimony conjecture?

Josh

Great article, JK! I especially love the line, “but it would have been brief compared to the toxic metaphysical fence that surrounds State College now”.

You know, it’s not just that Paterno protected Sandusky. By keeping him around, sitting on the 2nd Mile board, and giving him access to everything Penn St., Paterno actually empowered him! Mike Fransesca’s been saying all along that Paterno did these things to protect “the Pen St. / Paterno brand”. But then why did he keep Sandusky around?

Watch it come out one day that Sandusky had something either ON Paterno, or FOR Paterno. What was it that they used to say about Paterno and Sandusky? Give them two weeks and they never lose? I mean, why give the guy access to the Penn St. football facility, with a parking space, unless you wanted him to watch tape? What will all those Paterno defenders think when it comes out one day that their beloved “JoePa” chose to protect and empower Sandusky because he felt, even though he was a pedophile, he needed his football knowledge to win?

Unbelievable.

JK

Thank you, Josh. As you say, almost as astonishing as the crime is the complexity of the coverup.

Steven Fahey

The Brand can’t shield child rape.

It did for a very very long time. The school will not recover from this. It’s going to get worse before it gets better.

The most sickening story I have ever heard. I remember two Sundays ago reading the Grand Jury report, and telling my girl I couldn’t believe what I was reading.

God bless the victims.
Marc Weiss

Perfect example of “Absolute Power corrupting absolutely”. I saw Brad Benson’s interview on Fox last week and thankfully there is one former player who gets it. He came out and condemned those who are supporting Paterno and missing the big picture. Bottom line is: Paterno was protecting his program and fighting to keep his job in the early 2000′s. His morals were compromised and along with it went his legacy. Gr8 article JK !

JK

Agreed, Mark. And thank you. My guess is Paterno’s blinders took hold long before 2000. We may find that he knew about Sandusky 20 or 30 years ago, even if it’s nearly impossible to prove.

Jonas Altman-Kurosaki

Excellent article as usual, Jason. As you and other commenters have astutely put it, it baffles me to see these college kids’ reactions to what’s happened with Paterno. Yes, I get it – he is (not was, as we can plainly see) a Penn State icon, worshipped by most and loved by all. But it doesn’t change the fact that he messed up royally, causing undeniable and irrevocable damage that clearly Nittany Lions can’t fathom. I’m sure that every kid that Sandusky got to does not feel the least bit sorry for JoePa, but since everyone else can’t understand the traumatic effect of these incidents, they also can’t understand why their beloved coach was treated so “harshly.” Well… reality check: some things are more important than football.

I believe one story that can sum up Penn Staters’ ignorant bass-ackwardness was this one that I heard on the news the day of Paterno’s firing. Paraphrasing, it said, “it was reported that Penn State students attending this weekend’s football game planned to wear the color blue in support of child abuse victims; however, the football team has asked that students wear white in honor of Coach Paterno.”

Now, I don’t know if that’s true or if WNBC was just trying to stir the pot; but I have no doubt from the proceedings that some people certainly feel that way, and that, my friend, is the definition of “burying the lede.”

JK

Thanks, Jonas. I really, really hope that the WNBC report is false. College students are easily old enough to comprehend these crimes.

haroldburbank

wondering if paterno or PSU were threatened somehow if the abuse was revealed.
it makes no sense that sandusky would do these cires in the face-on the premises of PSU unless he thought he was protected by very powerful people.
Marie

Out of all of this horrific mess, it is opinion pieces such as this that make me have some hope in the human race. Thank you.

JK

Very kind of you, Marie. Thank you.

Robert Richardson

The sanctioning of child rape is unconscionable at any level. That fact that it occurred at a college (a place of molding young minds) makes it more reprehensible. The fact that it occurred at Penn State (with the parties involved) makes it an even greater hypocrisy. From the sorry excuse of a man (he was 28 years at the time) who abandoned a victim to his attacker, to the grand old men who shared a communal nod and wink at the expense of shattered lives; this story stinks and is a microcosm of America. The privileged and/or powerful get a pass and the meek get trampled. The perverted outpouring of Joe Pa emotional support was nauseating and degrading to the victims. If Joe Pa was Penn State and Penn State Joe Pa, then who is “We Are Penn State”?

JK

All great points, Robert. My first choice for the title of this piece was, “Success With Horror.”

There are so many black hats in this, I lose count. But the biggest one (besides Sandusky, of course) lands squarely on Paterno. By all accounts, he could have stopped this whenever he wanted. He had that kind of power.

Robert Richardson

Turns out he was an illusion the whole time; smoke and mirrors
CB

I would be careful here and/or be ready for an apology publically when the facts come out. They are about to and once these facts are official, it will turn all of the “guilty because I said so” people into a state of shock. Hold on to your hats here…because the “smoke and mirrors” that Joe and the University supposedly has done, will actually be proven to be smoke a mirrors of a different sort. Again, be ready to eat words and apologize publically. That is true journalism.

Michael Bobetsky

All the outcry from the student body shows that even if you think once your in college your an adult, evidently your not. There aren’t a whole lot of adults that would be upset for Paterno, regardless of his history, and previous reputation. Maybe the university should also teach their students to become adults and garner maturity in individuals., for the money spent on enrollement, i find it sickening that the student body was allowed to assemble that way and that there were no repercussions announced by the University. Those kids need guidance not fame of 1 hr on sports center and the nightly news. Of course if one of my boys had ideas of playing for this university, they could forget it. The students that held vigils for the victims and peacefully did the right thing should be commended.

JK

Agreed on all points, Michael. Thank you.
Mike E

I am an alum of Penn State, supporter of the program and tentatively a supporter of Joe Paterno. I have also followed this story closely, and read pieces from the many angles that exist. I was at the vigil because I wanted to show my support, as a Penn Stater, for the victims of this crime. While I find this article well written and very strong worded, I am deeply saddened by the accusations made without the proper proof. It is important to remember that without a true investigation, many of the ‘points’ are just JK’s opinions on a dark and tainted matter. If you remove the many assumptions, you are left with some actual facts: Pedophilia and rape are BAD. People who do these acts are BAD. There COULD have been a cover up but at this point everything is speculation. It is the pandemic defamation and speculation that are destroying what could be great reporting. Granted, It is a great opinion piece – but let’s leave it at that. I welcome any debate – but please leave the name calling, wise cracking and other nonsensical garble out of it.
Diane DiPiero Rodio

I have a theory on that. First of all, though, let’s remember that there are about 42,000 students on campus, so MOST of them did not riot the night Paterno was fired. I think it’s likely that students were upset about more than just Paterno’s ouster. They had basically been left in the dark for days as this scandal grew larger and uglier. The only person who seemed willing to talk was Joe Paterno, and his voice was squelched before the Tuesday press conference. So when the first info they get is that the “face” of Penn State was let go, I think a lot of students just felt let down in general. That, of course, does not excuse any violent behavior. Tipping over a news van isn’t the way to show your frustration!

Lisa

Oh, boo hoo. Your alma mater’s students acted like a bunch of morons over a football coach! Not children being molested, but a football coach losing his job. Stop making excuses for bad behavior.