Jerry Sandusky was a powerful man. He destroyed numerous young people, their parents and other relatives. He even dropped a leading university—Penn State—to its knees. Sandusky betrayed his wife and family too.
Indeed, Sandusky was a powerful man.
But thankfully Sandusky’s power is officially over. He was sentenced yesterday (Tuesday) to a minimum of 30 years for the Penn State sex scandal. If he survives his prison time, he would be released well into his late 90s.
As I have written before, there are many terrible things about this situation. The suffering caused by Sandusky is ongoing. In a sense, it will never end until people are taken from this life. But the saddest thing is a lack of Sandusky’s remorse. He maintained his innocence the day before the sentencing. He claims he did no wrong.
I am no psychologist but maybe there is something in Sandusky’s brain that blocks out all the terrible acts he committed. Even if Sandusky lives in fantasy world, he will live his days out in a jail cell.
Reality is now making Sandusky suffer—a reality he created.
Showing posts with label Jerry Sandusky. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jerry Sandusky. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
The Joe Paterno Statue
Penn State carried off Joe Paterno’s statue last week. It will no longer grace the grounds near Penn State’s football stadium.
Apparently, the statue is now in storage. But will storage be its final resting place? Will Paterno’s family eventually get the likeness?
Even after death, Paterno continues to take his lumps. The latest Paterno fallout occurred when the former Penn State football coach was cited for failing to properly inform authorities about former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky’s activities in the sex case scandal.
Probably worst than the statue removal was the NCAA taking over 100 wins from Paterno. He is no longer the top winner in career wins.
Paterno and his family may not be done taking hits. I wonder what Penn State will do about his name on the library. Then what about the plain blue and white uniforms made famous in the Paterno era? Will they go too? Will officials perform a major housecleaning?
Answers will follow in this continuing saga.
Apparently, the statue is now in storage. But will storage be its final resting place? Will Paterno’s family eventually get the likeness?
Even after death, Paterno continues to take his lumps. The latest Paterno fallout occurred when the former Penn State football coach was cited for failing to properly inform authorities about former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky’s activities in the sex case scandal.
Probably worst than the statue removal was the NCAA taking over 100 wins from Paterno. He is no longer the top winner in career wins.
Paterno and his family may not be done taking hits. I wonder what Penn State will do about his name on the library. Then what about the plain blue and white uniforms made famous in the Paterno era? Will they go too? Will officials perform a major housecleaning?
Answers will follow in this continuing saga.
Photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveynin/3879164219/
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Penn State Football Players
I am having a difficult time wrapping myself around the sympathy some people are giving the Penn State football players in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal.
Yes, I get the fact that they are innocent bystanders in the fallout. But it isn’t as if the players don’t have options. The NCAA declared them free agents. The players can play football at any other school right away OR stay at Penn State.
If loyalty means something to a particular player, they will stay. Remaining players will continue to receive an education from Penn State. They will play football for pride and not for Big Ten Conference championships or bowl games (over the four-year ban). I see this type of player who came to Penn State first and foremost for the school, not the football program.
But if a player came to Penn State for largely the football tradition, then that player will probably strongly consider a transfer. The football tradition has received a huge black mark and may even be gone. Penn State will no longer be an elite Big Ten team or a major player on the national scene. Can this player type become satisfied without playing for prizes such as conference championships, bowl games and national championships?
Penn State players have important decisions to make. But they still have choices. We must remember that they aren’t the victims. The true victims have already suffered and will continue to suffer.
If you were a Penn State player, what choice would you make?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/illinigardner/278720294/
Yes, I get the fact that they are innocent bystanders in the fallout. But it isn’t as if the players don’t have options. The NCAA declared them free agents. The players can play football at any other school right away OR stay at Penn State.
If loyalty means something to a particular player, they will stay. Remaining players will continue to receive an education from Penn State. They will play football for pride and not for Big Ten Conference championships or bowl games (over the four-year ban). I see this type of player who came to Penn State first and foremost for the school, not the football program.
But if a player came to Penn State for largely the football tradition, then that player will probably strongly consider a transfer. The football tradition has received a huge black mark and may even be gone. Penn State will no longer be an elite Big Ten team or a major player on the national scene. Can this player type become satisfied without playing for prizes such as conference championships, bowl games and national championships?
Penn State players have important decisions to make. But they still have choices. We must remember that they aren’t the victims. The true victims have already suffered and will continue to suffer.
If you were a Penn State player, what choice would you make?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/illinigardner/278720294/
Monday, July 23, 2012
Penn State Football Takes Major Hit
The NCAA didn’t slam the Penn State football program with the death penalty Monday. It just seems like it.
Penn State will be crippled for the next four years specifically. The long-term ramifications could also become major.
Penn State must pay a $60 million fine. The Lions will also be absent from bowl games for four years. They will lose about 40 scholarships. They must also forfeit all victories from 1998-2011.
Usually, I think that win forfeiture is a non-issue but not this time. Coach Joe Paterno’s all-time victory total suddenly dropped from 409 wins to 298. This means Paterno is no longer the top winning coach in collegiate football.
Some say the current football players or coaches shouldn’t pay for the past sinners of Jerry Sandusky’s conduct and the cover-up. But, it the ‘ole one pays, they all pay scenario. Remember when you were in grade school and one kid got in trouble? Then the teacher determined all kids would miss recess that day. Same thing with Penn State.
The players do actually have an out. They can transfer to another school and play right away.
The NCAA has never punished a school for a non-rules breaking issue. Penn State is the new poster child. The message is clear: don’t ever become involved in a situation like Penn State.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wfyurasko/5529122197/
Penn State will be crippled for the next four years specifically. The long-term ramifications could also become major.
Penn State must pay a $60 million fine. The Lions will also be absent from bowl games for four years. They will lose about 40 scholarships. They must also forfeit all victories from 1998-2011.
Usually, I think that win forfeiture is a non-issue but not this time. Coach Joe Paterno’s all-time victory total suddenly dropped from 409 wins to 298. This means Paterno is no longer the top winning coach in collegiate football.
Some say the current football players or coaches shouldn’t pay for the past sinners of Jerry Sandusky’s conduct and the cover-up. But, it the ‘ole one pays, they all pay scenario. Remember when you were in grade school and one kid got in trouble? Then the teacher determined all kids would miss recess that day. Same thing with Penn State.
The players do actually have an out. They can transfer to another school and play right away.
The NCAA has never punished a school for a non-rules breaking issue. Penn State is the new poster child. The message is clear: don’t ever become involved in a situation like Penn State.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wfyurasko/5529122197/
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
The Joe Paterno Statue
The anti-Joe Paterno sentiment continues.
Yesterday, a plane flew over Penn State’s football stadium supporting a banner that read “Take the (Paterno) statue down or we will.”
Strong words for the deceased coach who has gone from hero to goat in just a few months.
This latest outcry was probably the result of last week’s report revelation that Paterno was a major player in the Jerry Sandusky cover-up.
Penn State officials said they will reveal their decision on the statue in seven to 10 days. I doubt if it will take that long. Say goodbye to the statue.
Penn State really doesn’t have much choice. It is facing major backlash for the handling of the Sandusky case and with more dirt thrown at Paterno, the decision is simple.
The Big Ten school failed miserable in this ordeal. Penn State needs to show some real leadership and distance itself from the main ingredients. One strong statement becomes the statue.
The moral of this story is be careful who you bust. They might become busted later.
Yesterday, a plane flew over Penn State’s football stadium supporting a banner that read “Take the (Paterno) statue down or we will.”
Strong words for the deceased coach who has gone from hero to goat in just a few months.
This latest outcry was probably the result of last week’s report revelation that Paterno was a major player in the Jerry Sandusky cover-up.
Penn State officials said they will reveal their decision on the statue in seven to 10 days. I doubt if it will take that long. Say goodbye to the statue.
Penn State really doesn’t have much choice. It is facing major backlash for the handling of the Sandusky case and with more dirt thrown at Paterno, the decision is simple.
The Big Ten school failed miserable in this ordeal. Penn State needs to show some real leadership and distance itself from the main ingredients. One strong statement becomes the statue.
The moral of this story is be careful who you bust. They might become busted later.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Penn State Scandal Grows
Former FBI Director Louis Freeh and his team revealed their findings yesterday in the investigation of the Jerry Sandusky child molestation case. And it wasn’t as expected, pretty.
The report said Penn State’s top officials including former football coach Joe Paterno played cover-up. The findings were particularly damaging to Paterno’s legacy-- the face of Penn State football for decades. His son, Jay, tried to do some damage control but it’s a late. It’s like an offensive lineman telling himself he better block for quarterback after he sees his teammate lying on the ground after a sack.
The report answered many questions but created more.
If Paterno was still alive (he died earlier this year) would he face a prison sentence? Will Penn State rid itself of the Paterno statue? How about his name on the library?
And what about the football team? Some are crying for the death penalty. Will the NCAA become involved and shut the program down for a while? Will Penn State voluntarily close it down? I, personally, can’t imagine the program shutdown. This is Penn State not SMU. Even in its weakness, there is power.
What I do anticipate happening is prison time for the other three top officials involved. This has the makings of orange jump suits written all over it.
In the end, it’s just really sad that somebody didn’t step up and the do the adult thing and save these innocent, vulnerable kids.
The report said Penn State’s top officials including former football coach Joe Paterno played cover-up. The findings were particularly damaging to Paterno’s legacy-- the face of Penn State football for decades. His son, Jay, tried to do some damage control but it’s a late. It’s like an offensive lineman telling himself he better block for quarterback after he sees his teammate lying on the ground after a sack.
The report answered many questions but created more.
If Paterno was still alive (he died earlier this year) would he face a prison sentence? Will Penn State rid itself of the Paterno statue? How about his name on the library?
And what about the football team? Some are crying for the death penalty. Will the NCAA become involved and shut the program down for a while? Will Penn State voluntarily close it down? I, personally, can’t imagine the program shutdown. This is Penn State not SMU. Even in its weakness, there is power.
What I do anticipate happening is prison time for the other three top officials involved. This has the makings of orange jump suits written all over it.
In the end, it’s just really sad that somebody didn’t step up and the do the adult thing and save these innocent, vulnerable kids.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Jerry Sandusky Verdict
Former Penn State Assistant Football Coach Jerry Sandusky was convicted of 45 counts of sexual abuse Friday night. Sandusky will be in prison a long, long time unless he dies of natural causes or takes his own life.
Justice was indeed served, but like always in these cases there were no winners.
The victims were violated and will probably live with those consequences their entire lives. Sure, Sandusky will pay for his crimes but the victims’ innocence is permanently scarred.
It’s sad for Sandusky too. What was this guy thinking? How could something so terrible cloud his mind and result in action? He will have plenty of time to ponder that in prison.
And what about Sandusky’s family? It suffers on two sides: what happened to the victims and betrayal from a husband, father and grandfather.
Penn State will also continue suffering. The once proud university has already been brought to its knees. Now, the focus will probably shift on the university officials who are accused of covering up the Sandusky scandal.
Yes, the verdict resulted in some closure. But, I sense this story and the fallout are far, far from over.
Justice was indeed served, but like always in these cases there were no winners.
The victims were violated and will probably live with those consequences their entire lives. Sure, Sandusky will pay for his crimes but the victims’ innocence is permanently scarred.
It’s sad for Sandusky too. What was this guy thinking? How could something so terrible cloud his mind and result in action? He will have plenty of time to ponder that in prison.
And what about Sandusky’s family? It suffers on two sides: what happened to the victims and betrayal from a husband, father and grandfather.
Penn State will also continue suffering. The once proud university has already been brought to its knees. Now, the focus will probably shift on the university officials who are accused of covering up the Sandusky scandal.
Yes, the verdict resulted in some closure. But, I sense this story and the fallout are far, far from over.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
The Jerry Sandusky Trial
The trial of former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky is in its four day. And already, I have had enough.
This type of trial makes me yearn for the old days when the news cycle wasn’t 24/7. The trial would be held and brief mention of it occurred on the evening TV news or you read about it in the newspaper. Then the verdict was announced and everyone went on with their lives.
But now you can receive a blow-by-blow of the trial. You must display intentional avoidance behavior not to know anything about it.
I have read some testimony about the trial on the Internet. It makes me sick and it makes me angry. If only part of the numerous allegations is true, Sandusky should still be sent to the Big House (prison) for a very, very, very long time.
People are obviously fascinated with this trial, but I not one of them. I think I will try the intentional avoidance behavior mode. I can wait for the verdict.
This type of trial makes me yearn for the old days when the news cycle wasn’t 24/7. The trial would be held and brief mention of it occurred on the evening TV news or you read about it in the newspaper. Then the verdict was announced and everyone went on with their lives.
But now you can receive a blow-by-blow of the trial. You must display intentional avoidance behavior not to know anything about it.
I have read some testimony about the trial on the Internet. It makes me sick and it makes me angry. If only part of the numerous allegations is true, Sandusky should still be sent to the Big House (prison) for a very, very, very long time.
People are obviously fascinated with this trial, but I not one of them. I think I will try the intentional avoidance behavior mode. I can wait for the verdict.
Monday, January 23, 2012
What about Joe Paterno's Legacy?
Former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno’s death raises the huge question of what legacy the man leaves behind.
A few months ago this was a slam dunk. Paterno was Penn State. He had led the Lions to a truckload of victory over decades. He ran a pretty clean program. His players graduated. He and his wife, Sue generously gave their financial resources back to Penn State. But then the sex scandal hit last fall accusing one of his longtime assistants, Jerry Sandusky, of allegedly molesting boys.
Paterno was cleared of any wrongdoing in the case. At this point, other than the victims, Paterno had seemed to suffer the most. He was fired and couldn’t depart on his own terms. Then he developed lung cancer. The disease didn’t take long. A couple months and Paterno was dead.
Some say JoePa could have done more to stop the sex scandal. Some say he should have been more proactive going to the authorities. People are upset it was covered up over a 10-year period.
Paterno wanted to tell more of what he knew about the story. But he ran out of life.
Some say, people should judge Paterno on his whole career. The problem is that most people have short memories. They only remember what happened recently.
And the recently was bad, really bad.
But maybe one day, public opinion about Paterno will turn more positive. Folks will forget and give the ‘ole coach some grace.
However for the time being, Paterno’s legacy is in doubt and definite sides have been drawn.
A few months ago this was a slam dunk. Paterno was Penn State. He had led the Lions to a truckload of victory over decades. He ran a pretty clean program. His players graduated. He and his wife, Sue generously gave their financial resources back to Penn State. But then the sex scandal hit last fall accusing one of his longtime assistants, Jerry Sandusky, of allegedly molesting boys.
Paterno was cleared of any wrongdoing in the case. At this point, other than the victims, Paterno had seemed to suffer the most. He was fired and couldn’t depart on his own terms. Then he developed lung cancer. The disease didn’t take long. A couple months and Paterno was dead.
Some say JoePa could have done more to stop the sex scandal. Some say he should have been more proactive going to the authorities. People are upset it was covered up over a 10-year period.
Paterno wanted to tell more of what he knew about the story. But he ran out of life.
Some say, people should judge Paterno on his whole career. The problem is that most people have short memories. They only remember what happened recently.
And the recently was bad, really bad.
But maybe one day, public opinion about Paterno will turn more positive. Folks will forget and give the ‘ole coach some grace.
However for the time being, Paterno’s legacy is in doubt and definite sides have been drawn.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Penn State's Joe Paterno Had to Go
They can riot all they want to in State College, Pennsylvania, but the Penn State Board of Trustees made the right call in firing football coach Joe Paterno.
Paterno thought he could prolong his fate early on Wednesday when he volunteered to resign at the end of the season. I wondered how that act would work. The Penn State Board of Trustees took care of it late Wednesday night.
Or by the way, Penn State also fired its president—Graham Spanier.
Paterno is obviously the biggest figure to fall in this mess. He now realizes he should have taken greater measures when informed of the alleged sexual child exploitation involving former Penn State assistant Jerry Sandusky.
Paterno was larger-than-life at Penn State. He no longer receives the title. His rule has ended. The mighty do fall and Paterno went crashing down.
People wonder about Paterno’s legacy. Will this scandal scar it? I don’t know, but at the moment memory is short-term. The stones will continue to be thrown at Paterno for a while. Will he recover? Time will tell.
Meanwhile, the house cleaning at Penn State has only begun. It started with the big boys and will trickle down. People might not recognize the place when it’s over.
We have no model for a situation like Penn State. It’s a sad, sad situation that we will have its own model now.
Paterno thought he could prolong his fate early on Wednesday when he volunteered to resign at the end of the season. I wondered how that act would work. The Penn State Board of Trustees took care of it late Wednesday night.
Or by the way, Penn State also fired its president—Graham Spanier.
Paterno is obviously the biggest figure to fall in this mess. He now realizes he should have taken greater measures when informed of the alleged sexual child exploitation involving former Penn State assistant Jerry Sandusky.
Paterno was larger-than-life at Penn State. He no longer receives the title. His rule has ended. The mighty do fall and Paterno went crashing down.
People wonder about Paterno’s legacy. Will this scandal scar it? I don’t know, but at the moment memory is short-term. The stones will continue to be thrown at Paterno for a while. Will he recover? Time will tell.
Meanwhile, the house cleaning at Penn State has only begun. It started with the big boys and will trickle down. People might not recognize the place when it’s over.
We have no model for a situation like Penn State. It’s a sad, sad situation that we will have its own model now.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Sickening Mess at Penn State
This mess at Penn State becomes more disguising each day. Where this merry-go-round will stop nobody knows.
Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky allegedly was involved in child exploitation. Some are charging Penn State officials including legendary football coach Joe Paterno with cover-up.
Now there is an Associated Press report that Paterno will resign at the end of the season. I still think it might that be that long. How can Paterno continue to coach under this massive cloud? JoePa will face major scrutiny for his remaining days at Penn State.
Some say, JoePa is the fall guy for the university. I don’t know how much responsibility should be his in this terrible case, but he is the CEO of the program. That in itself requires leadership and responsibility.
Nobody at Penn State is showing any leadership. Until someone comes out and explains this tragedy and takes responsibility, all we have is conjecture, hurt, anger and a story that won’t go away.
Penn State is an institution of higher education. Right now if I was grading the school, it would receive a big fat “F.”
Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky allegedly was involved in child exploitation. Some are charging Penn State officials including legendary football coach Joe Paterno with cover-up.
Now there is an Associated Press report that Paterno will resign at the end of the season. I still think it might that be that long. How can Paterno continue to coach under this massive cloud? JoePa will face major scrutiny for his remaining days at Penn State.
Some say, JoePa is the fall guy for the university. I don’t know how much responsibility should be his in this terrible case, but he is the CEO of the program. That in itself requires leadership and responsibility.
Nobody at Penn State is showing any leadership. Until someone comes out and explains this tragedy and takes responsibility, all we have is conjecture, hurt, anger and a story that won’t go away.
Penn State is an institution of higher education. Right now if I was grading the school, it would receive a big fat “F.”
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
How Can Joe Paterno Survive?
Happy Valley, Pennsylvania is far from a happy place.
In the last 96 hours or so, the news about the alleged child exploitation by former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky has soiled the once proud institution. It seems there is plenty of shared blame attached to the situation. Take your pick from the school’s president to the former athletic director and business manager. Even legendary football coach Joe Paterno is in the firing line.
Paterno’s knowledge of the situation appears cloudy. I imagine we will learn more as the facts continue to become available. But I cannot see JoePa surviving this situation. Paterno is under fire for his association with Sandusky and not doing more than simply reporting what he knew (about Sandusky’s conduct) to the athletic director.
Will JoePa resign this week? I doubt it. The guy is a fighter. Many have called for his resignation for a number of years and the ‘ole guy is still coaching. But will the pressure get to him enough where he will quit following the season?
The charges against Sandusky are obviously extremely serious. The sad thing is there are many dominos falling besides Sandusky. JoePa could be one of those particular dominos.
In the last 96 hours or so, the news about the alleged child exploitation by former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky has soiled the once proud institution. It seems there is plenty of shared blame attached to the situation. Take your pick from the school’s president to the former athletic director and business manager. Even legendary football coach Joe Paterno is in the firing line.
Paterno’s knowledge of the situation appears cloudy. I imagine we will learn more as the facts continue to become available. But I cannot see JoePa surviving this situation. Paterno is under fire for his association with Sandusky and not doing more than simply reporting what he knew (about Sandusky’s conduct) to the athletic director.
Will JoePa resign this week? I doubt it. The guy is a fighter. Many have called for his resignation for a number of years and the ‘ole guy is still coaching. But will the pressure get to him enough where he will quit following the season?
The charges against Sandusky are obviously extremely serious. The sad thing is there are many dominos falling besides Sandusky. JoePa could be one of those particular dominos.
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