A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Tag: Penn State

Soapbox: Don’t Punish the Students

When the accusations emerged of the atrocities of Jerry Sandusky, I admit that I gave Joe Paterno the benefit of the doubt. I thought that perhaps he was so disgusted with the accusations that he wanted nothing to do with Jerry Sandusky again (now why Sandusky remained on the staff, I don’t know).

However, after the findings that came out of the Louis Freeh report I regret ever saying anything in defense of Joe Paterno. Whether he was coerced into cooperation or was involved with the decision to cover it up, he is just as creepy just for covering it up. I don’t care how much football is embedded into your life, you shouldn’t place your career, or the wonderful sport of football, above any form of sexual abuse prevention. I don’t blame the university and the NCAA for giving consideration to tearing down the Paterno statue or even striking his achievements from the record books. (As a side note, whether its written or not he will still be remembered as the former “most winning-est” college football coach).

I don’t agree, however, with the possibility that the NCAA might shutdown Penn State’s football program. Perhaps if it was decided to do it for one season, while harsh, is warranted. There are some that seem to be calling for the permanent shutdown of Penn State’s football program, which is just a little too far. I understand that the high ranking university officials need to be punished for allowing such terrible things to happen, but shutting down the football program punishes the students!! It will destroy an already severely damaged student body population. I’m sure enrollment will be almost non-existent and recruitment will be even more sparse, but if you shut down the football program then they should downgrade Penn State’s status has a major university.

I just can’t believe that they would even consider shutting it down permanently. Haven’t the students, and the current football players, been through enough devastation? Football was not the reason Jerry Sandusky did what he did so why take that away from the students? Such a decision could literally smash the dreams of many aspiring athletes. I do not condone any of the actions of those university officials involved with the cover up but keeping the football program alive won’t be perpetuating their grievous actions. The law will see to it that they are properly punished but keep the football program open so Penn State has a chance to try to rebuild its lost rapport.

/end soapbox

Forever “Eterno Paterno”

Before I express my opinion of the firing of Joe Paterno, let me make one thing very clear. Jerry Sandusky is a scum bag of the worst kind. What he did is reprehensible! Any kind of sexual abuse where the victim is of any age is reprehensible, but his egregious acts are of a different level. A level that has a special place in hell. He should be castrated and imprisoned with cell mates convicted of similar crimes. I’m sure his pretty face will be quite pleasing to the other sex offenders.

So what about Joe? First of all I am not a Penn State fan by any means. As a Purdue grad, I loathed playing Penn State because they were always tough to beat. The reason they were tough to beat was Joe Paterno. Despite the fact that I wasn’t a fan, I respect Joe Paterno for what he has done for the university and for his acolytes as a college football head coach. His accomplishments will be insurmountable.

Nine years ago Paterno learned about Sandusky’s crimes and reported him to the university authorities. Many would agree that he should have done more, perhaps even fire Sandusky on the spot. Nobody, except Joe, knows why he didn’t do more. Perhaps he was so offended and revolted by the crime that he wanted nothing more to do with Jerry Sandusky.

Yesterday Joe Paterno announced that he would resign in light of the scandal, stating that he wish he had done more. A respectable exit, for a respectable man. Before his signature had time to dry the board of trustees had an emergency meeting and fired Joe Paterno under the guise of sparing the universities’ reputation further damage.

This is how they treat a legend?!? In my opinion their actions have tarnished the reputation of the school more than what Paterno allegedly should have done nine years ago! Again, nobody knows the real reason the board fired Paterno but my guess is they just needed to flex their muscles for everyone. They wanted to illustrate that they are doing something to calm the swell of controversy.

Pfft!!! Tell that to the 2,000+ students that rioted in retaliation for the board’s decision!

Obviously the board was just looking for a scapegoat. So why does Joe Paterno have to be the one to bend over and take it up the ass? (Too soon?)

In my eyes Joe Paterno’s impeccable reputation remains in tack. I don’t think legendary status should be tarnished because some staff member couldn’t keep it in his pants!

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén