However, having become immersed in this nightmare that is the PSU child abuse scandal over the last two weeks, I think it was inevitable: Paterno had to go.
I think the "didn't do enough" factor became a primary issue when it came out that Paterno knew Sandusky was at practices, in the facilities, with children AFTER the 2002 incident with the 10-year-old in the shower. They knew Sandusky was at the practice with a child, and they knew Paterno was there, too... and this was as recently as 25 days ago. Perhaps nothing happened THAT time, but the possibility that it could happen again was enough.
With a coaching staff that is that entrenched... some have been there more than 30 years... it is difficult for me to believe that there was NO (read ZERO) knowledge of this sort of criminal behavior between the various coaches, and (at the very latest) it should have ended completely after the 2002 incident (it should have ended in 1998, but that wasn't a PSU call... that was a district prosecutor that chose not to indict). That means Sandusky was no longer allowed, in any way, shape or form, onto PSU property or at PSU games.
I feel bad for the school and the students. This is going to be a stain on a top-ranked school for decades to come, and the healing process is going to be slow. I also fear it is going to get worse before it gets better. Decisions were made, calls made... and those that chose to make the calls (or NOT to make the calls) are answering for them now. Paterno was a BIG decision maker at that school, and if the President had to go, then I think Paterno did too. Let's face it... Nittany Lion football WAS Joe Pa, and the problem seems to have been with what the coaches knew and did/didn't do. Tough not to hold the Head Coach responsible.
No comments:
Post a Comment