It is a Federal Crime to see a crime happen and not report it. For Joe Paterno and Penn State they are criminals for not disclaiming news on an issue that goes far beyond Football. Penn State is one of the most historic American universities with a rich history that starts from the 1850’s. State has always been known for its Football and along with that comes the winningest coach in College Football Joe Paterno, or as the Penn State students called him “Joe Pa.”
Paterno was made aware of an alarming issue; one so terrifying that this writer believes is worthy of Death Row. Jerry Sandusky, a Defensive Co-Ordinater at State was in fact an alumnus from the same university between the years 1963 through 1965. He returned in 1969 to coach at State and remained with the team as their Defensive Co-Ordinater until a few years ago. Football is very important to the students and people at State, to it’s alumni and boosters, to the locals who are season ticket holders and long time fans, but what happened with Jerry Sandusky, his charity The Second Mile and the poor innocent kids who were violated by Sandusky can never be forgiven. There are certain things that are just not tolerated in this world and sexually abusing little kids is at the top of that list. Think for a moment what if Paterno upon hearing about Sandusky reported him to the cops. Not only could he retire peacefully and as arguably the best coach in college Football history but he would also be somewhat of a hero by exploiting the monster that Sandusky is. Paterno for some reason chose to keep the knowledge he obtained about Sandusky to himself and not report it. Whether it was his old age not understanding that we live in the twenty-first century where you can basically find anything if you dig a little, or that his friendship with Sandusky was strong and that he would not get caught, Paterno is wrong. Rightfully so, the truth came out but the level of morality that Paterno showed is somewhat of a bigger issue. Babies and children are not only loved for their adorable cheeks but also because of their innocence. For these victims there lives will never be the same, there innocence was snatched right from under them and with reports indicating a high level of suicide for sexually abused children, some won’t even last long enough to see there twentieth birthday. Put Football in your side pocket for a second. Jerry Sandusky used a charity organization (he founded) called The Second Mile to lure the kids in. A charity that was supposed to help children who don’t have structure in their homes, not having the slightest clue on how to interact with other people, and are mentally unstable. A man like this is a true monster, not the make-believed ones in fairy tales, but a real live in the flesh monster. After all that transpired at Penn State Sandusky whether under the influence of his attorney or on his own mandate chose to talk to NBC’S Bob Costas and told him it was okay in his mind to shower with kids, and sleep in the same bed. Understand something, we live in a cruel world that is clear upon hearing about this but where does it stop. If there are people out there (which there are) abusing and molesting kids and then on top of which there are people who hear about it and do nothing, we as a society have failed.
Football is a great sport, where the competition level is at the highest, but it also displays a strong family environment. Banding together with your teammates, inch by inch play by play, teammates and coaches learn to become as one. Paterno was a great coach but when it comes to a matter like this sports becomes irrelevant, life and morality take over and Paterno had the power to do something.
One of the greatest quotes of all time came from Uncle Ben from Spiderman “With great power comes great responsibility.” Paterno had it all, the fans, love, football, and accomplishments but when he had the power and to do something, he did not and now his legacy will forever be tarnished.
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