Last year, students foolishly rioted in the streets in his honor. But yesterday, the university that made him famous decided to dishonor him.
The famed bronze statue of the late and former Penn State football coach, Joe Paterno, was taken down from outside the football stadium. Penn State President Rodney Erickson made the decision to permanently store the statue, after it was discovered that Paterno knew about multiple child molestations by his former assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky, but covered it up and did nothing about it.
“I now believe that, contrary to its original intention, coach Paterno’s statue has become a source of division and an obstacle to healing in our university and beyond,” Erickson said. “I believe that, were it to remain, the statue will be a recurring wound to the multitude of individuals across the nation and beyond who have been the victims of child abuse,” he added.
Paterno’s iconic reputation rapidly dwindled after independent investigator Louis Freeh unveiled his findings about the former coach and other university officials. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) called Paterno “a powerful man who acted selfishly” who “deserves no public honors whatsoever.” It is believed that had Paterno immediately reported what he knew about Sandusky to police, several other sexually molested children may have been spared.
But Paterno’s family has been fighting back, hoping to salvage some bit of his previous “god-like” reputation.
“Tearing down the statue of Joe Paterno does not serve the victims of Jerry Sandusky’s horrible crimes or help heal the Penn State community” the family said in a statement. “We believe the only way to help the victims is to uncover the full truth. It is not the university’s responsibility to defend or protect Joe Paterno. But they at least should have acknowledged that important legal cases are still pending and that the record on Joe Paterno, the board and other key players is far from complete,” it added.
In recent weeks, Paterno’s name has been removed from the Nike Child Care Center, a coaching position, as well as a trophy. Also, an anonymous person recently flew an airborne banner with an important message to Penn State: “TAKE THE STATUE DOWN OR WE WILL!”
Additionally, I watched live-coverage of NCAA Pres. Emmitt's announcement (at about 9:05 AM) of the sanctions imposed on Penn State as a result of the years (if not decades) of crimes against children that went on there.Let me just say, I have NO problem with any of the sanctions which include but are not limited to:1. a $60 million dollar fine to go towards programs that address child sexual abuse2. ALL Penn State wins from 1998 to 2011 VACATED (which means Paterno is no longer college football's "winningest" coach. He's now ranked 8th.3. No bowl games for 4 yrs. 4. Scholarship cut from 25 to 15.It may not *officially* be called the "Death Penalty." But IMO it's certainly on par with it. And as I've already said. I have NO probelm with it.You build your *house* on sinking sand AND…most disturbingly…at the expense of children…you deserve, at least this kind of outcome.