Just when you thought the woes at Penn State were behind them, it’s time to think again. Think long and hard, as what has taken place in recent weeks is just the beginning of what may change how we look at college sports.
The conviction of former coach Jerry Sandusky for his multiple crimes was just the start. The internal investigation commissioned by the Penn State board was the tip of a bigger iceberg, as we learned that Sandusky may not have been the only criminal involved in the travesty that took place. Former head of the FBI Louis Freeh concluded that several people were aware of the sexual abuse Sandusky was involved in, and yet chose not to do anything about it as they did not want to receive bad PR.
So much for that idea.
From the president of the university to the athletic director – and yes, the head coach, the legendary Joe Paterno. The man who was endeared by so many as to being what college football was supposed to stand for.
OOPS!
The report was damaging to several individuals and their reputations, not to mention the possibility of criminal charges being filed. All except Paterno, who died shortly after he was fired.
So now that the stink is getting more ripe by the day. There are calls for more than heads here. The widely regarded statute that was erected in honor of Paterno on the campus is now in danger. Nike has taken Paterno’s name off everything that begins with “Joe,” and some are calling for the NCAA to step in and lay the death penalty on the Nitanny Lions.
Yes, the sharks smell blood, and there may be some letting here before it is over.
Let’s take a look at some of the issues here.
The culprits who have been accused of looking the other way while Sandusky was able to have his way with anyone he wanted before puberty are no longer in power. Nor are they in jail. That may happen at some point down the road.
The university has cleaned house, but some still feel that they should still hurt for the sins of their brothers. Are we counting on the NCAA to step in here? Perhaps one of the most immoral operations in the country when it comes to taking care of the students is now being looked upon to do something. That alone is frightening, but it could be a reality.
The suggestion has been made that Penn State should be allowed to play football this season because of what took place when many of their players were in second and third grade at the time this monster named Jerry Sandusky was allowed to prey on the innocent at will. So why do these players have to pay a price? Do you really think the NCAA will allow a school to lose the gate revenue of home games with a stadium that seats over 106,000? How about the loss of scholarships? Again, why punish the future of the program?
I am not sure if there is a correct punishment other than perhaps seizing the revenue from the games this season, along with a portion of the TV, and donating it to a child abuse foundation to create awareness. Should there be some sort of penalty? Yes, but what should it be and why, aside from suiting the bloodthirsty for emotional reasons and not truly addressing the issue itself? To punish for the sake of punishment just does not add up to me.
The university has to pay, as we continue to learn that Paterno cut a financial deal on his way out for protection. Nice, Joe, really nice. I say that in jest only, because fortunately for those who are still alive, they can blame old Joe for everything at this point. Soon Paterno’s name should be mentioned for the rise in gas prices and unemployment rates. By November candidates around the country running for
How is it that the whispers had been widely known for some time, and no one called “time out”? More importantly, how many more Penn States are out there? Not just on the college level, but perhaps on the high school level, if not lower. I do not think this is an isolated incident.
It is a tough subject to discuss in private, let alone in public, although when the hint of a lawsuit comes about, I am at times amazed how some seem to come forth and sing like Frankie Beverly at times.
How and when the punishment will come down from the NCAA will be interesting to say the least. The term “lack of institutional control” will come into play. That is a term no university wants to hear, as it means heads will roll and money will be lost. We have yet to fathom what the civil suits will amount to against the university and perhaps the estate of Paterno. The perils for Penn State are just beginning.
