We all know what's happening in the news right now. Admittedly, I'm not a big news-follower so all of my details aren't crystal clear, but I'm pretty sure I get the gist of it: One of Penn State's assistant coaches allegedly sexually abused multiple young boys between the ages of 8 and 15. And if I'm not mistaken, multiple people knew about it, including legendary coach, Joe Paterno.
Now, I think that as an "educator" of sorts, Joe Paterno had a duty to report. Sure, he says he reported it to his immediate superior, but evidently nothing ever came of it. Until recently, that is, and I'm really not even sure what unleashed the media firestorm as of late. Regardless, what has happened is, without doubt, despicable.
I do feel, though, that we're putting an unreasonable amount of attention on Joe Paterno. Yes, he was wrong. I think he practically became an accomplice when he "washed his hands of it" and turned the other cheek. How he could continue working with that individual is beyond me.
But.
It wasn't Joe Paterno abusing the children, it was Sandusky... (Jerry, I believe?). And I feel like we've kind of overlooked him in favor of a whirlwind of emotions caused by the firing of a beloved coach. Some people have rushed to his defence, most notably the students of Penn State rallying outside his house.* Some have hurled insult after insult at JoePa for his lack of action. The insults may be deserved, but frankly, I'm ready to see some insults and accusations thrown at Sandusky.
*Sidenote: its reactions like this-- rushing to the defense of a long-sung hero-- that keep victims from coming forward to begin with, in my humble opinion.
Now, Sandusky "maintains his innocence" and I guess in this country your innocent until proven guilty. If he is innocent, this is a nightmare that he and his family may never wake up from. If he's guilty, though... I hope this doesn't go the way of Casey Anthony, a more guilty-until-miraculously-proven-innocent route.
So that's my soap box for the day. Yeah, it turns out that JoePa's not some spotless grandfather figure. Sure, we're disappointed in him. What's worse-- the Bear would be disappointed in him. But I'm ready to start pointing a finger or two-- and maybe not the one you're thinking of-- at Jerry Sandusky.
Sandusky has actually now plead guilty. Which is good...because the District Attorney who was supposed to present the case has disappeard. His laptop was found in a river missing it's hard drive. Not only have the people covered up sexual abuse, I'm pretty sure they've murdered the DA. You should read the grad jury report. It's awful.
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