Sandusky

[JCoz]

I don't know Peeks, something tells me no one is going to want this PSU job.

I see a Brady Hoke type hire, no bigger name.

What established person would agree to clean up this insanity?

Yet there are rumors in MIA that Golden is talking to PSU and rumors on PSU boards that Meyer has recently purchased property in PA.

High Comedy.

[JCoz]

Who knows where this thing goes, so many ugly questions with possibly uglier answers...most already stated...

How many victims are there really since '77?
Why didn't the DA prosecute in '98? Where did the DA dissappear to in 05 (probably totally unrelated but still...)?
What exactly did the GA tell Joe pa and he to the upper Admin?
What did Sandusky have on the admin that made them bury this AND allow unfettered access though 2009?
Did the GA get promoted through merit or otherwise?

Totally FUBAR.

[Triple-S]

I guess students were out on the lawn chanting Paternos name in support of him...

what the fuck?

This is NOT Tattoo gate w/The Vest.

[Triple-S]

http://gregg-doyel.blogs.cbssports.com/ ... 6/33197750

un-fucking-real.

[Triple-S]

[Madre Hill, Superstar]

http://gregg-doyel.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/5881996/33197750

un-fucking-real.

On one hand, I can understand wanting to play on for the guys on the team, its not like they're involved in this mess. (As far as we know.) On the other, this is going to get out of hand and out of hand fast. Has someone woken up Jim Delaney?

Meanwhile, the potential victim list is now up to 20.

[noles1]

I cannot see this thru the eyes of any of the 1,000 or so students. I just can't.

I can't see how what Paterno did is defensible.

That footage and the students sicken me and imagine being one of the boys that JoePa says "the students should pray for"...

My God.

This is like Watergate only with actual victims.

[peeker643]

SO many articles and conversations about this today. Can't remember if it was noted here (didn't see it but I'm effing dead tired at Nashville airport) that Sandusky still had his emeritus status at PSU as late as last week.

Nice.

[peeker643]

I guess students were out on the lawn chanting Paternos name in support of him...

what the fuck?

This is NOT Tattoo gate w/The Vest.

Again, not even close to intimating the crimes were the same, but it's the same misguided fan bois with different allegiances at both Tressel's and Paterno's lawn.

Neither deserved that 'support' IMO.

You can argue all you want but people can't see past the logos on their heads when shit like this happens. It's the same mentality there as it was in Columbus.

[noles1]

SO many articles and conversations about this today. Can't remember if it was noted here (didn't see it but I'm effing dead tired at Nashville airport) that Sandusky still had his emeritus status at PSU as late as last week.

Nice.

Reports saying he was on fuckin campus LAST WEEK.

JoePa lying about what he actually said in the grand jury.

The GA suddenly becoming a Asst. coach and Sandusky allowed to ride off in the sunset when he retired.

And Jay Paterno to have a twitter account and even the gall to try and get out in front of this.

Jesus.

[peeker643]

SO many articles and conversations about this today. Can't remember if it was noted here (didn't see it but I'm effing dead tired at Nashville airport) that Sandusky still had his emeritus status at PSU as late as last week.

Nice.

Reports saying he was on fuckin campus LAST WEEK.

JoePa lying about what he actually said in the grand jury.

The GA suddenly becoming a Asst. coach and Sandusky allowed to ride off in the sunset when he retired.

And Jay Paterno to have a twitter account and even the gall to try and get out in front of this.

Jesus.

Little Paterno is defending his old man. I understand that. If he defends the institution (and believe me, I understand they're damn near indistinguishable) then I'll have problems with Jay-pa.

Incidentally, the CMA awards are here in Nashville tomorrow night. This airport is damn near McCarran-like in both volume and quality. I love this city.

[peeker643]

I heard in light of the PSU allegations motherscratcher has gotten rid of all his sock puppets, candy and stag films and cloroxed his entire dental office.

This shit is affecting so many.

[motherscratcher]

I heard in light of the PSU allegations motherscratcher has gotten rid of all his sock puppets, candy and stag films and cloroxed his entire dental office.

This shit is affecting so many.

Little known fact: most dental offices have chloroform.

[peeker643]

I just read the grand jury report.

Christ on a cracker. That guy should find the nearest rope and weight bearing support beam and do himself, his family and humanity a favor.

Paraphrasing PSU Admin response- "Jerry, take those kids somewhere else. Give me your goddamn keys and don't bring 10 yr olds into the showers on school grounds."

[swerb]

Can we rehire Tressel yet?

[Triple-S]

You know, and something seriously needs to be done about the way college athletics are set up.

it's just like every last one of these scandals are coming off as some bizarre twisted version of the movie "Blue Chips", each thing more shocking and unbelievable as the next.

[FUDU]

Everything ends badly, otherwise it wouldn't end.

[peeker643]

You know, and something seriously needs to be done about the way college athletics are set up.

it's just like every last one of these scandals are coming off as some bizarre twisted version of the movie "Blue Chips", each thing more shocking and unbelievable as the next.

This Penn State story is unbelievable. Everything else (OSU, Miami, Jeramy Stevens) I can easily believe all day long.

[motherscratcher]

This story made me think of something Josh Wilker wrote on Cardboard Gods a few years back.

http://cardboardgods.net/2008/07/03/the-coachs-son/

[Triple-S]

This Penn State story is unbelievable. Everything else (OSU, Miami, Jeramy Stevens) I can easily believe all day long.

Would I have been shocked if it came to light that a booster from PSU got caught doing the same exact thing as the aforementioned?
nope.

This is just awful though. There's no defending this in any sort of the way. none. The NCAA and the Big Ten need to step in. Christ can you imagine if PSU was the Big Ten's "Leaders" division champion and playing for the right to go to the Rose Bowl? I mean, I doubt they'll win against the huskers and bucks..but...dear god.

[peeker643]

[quote="Triple-S]This is just awful though. There's no defending this in any sort of the way. none. The NCAA and the Big Ten need to step in. [/quote]

There's a difference between defending it and not being shocked by nearly anything that happens in college sports though.

I'm not defending the PSU story and I'm not defending a Miami booster going 8 yrs deep into debt hiring hookers and buting abortions for access to players.

I'm just not shocked by the Miami story.

[FUDU]

I agree with Peeker in that you pretty much expect these other type of scandals as we move forward, you never expect crimes against humanity from places of higher learning & thinking.

[danwismar]

I guess we all want answers sooner than they're available....but I wonder why more attention hasn't been paid (yet) to the 1998 incident...the decision not to prosecute...and the now dead (suicide?) DA who was involved in the case (as linked earlier by JB).

Total speculation, but it's easy to imagine DA found out about 2002 incident(s) and was wracked with guilt about not stopping Sandusky 4 years earlier.

If I recall what I read earlier, the University Police did investigate in '98. What was JoPa's role in that case?...surely he knew about it. If you read the grand jury pdf you know that the janitor who was the eye-witness is elderly now and has dementia and is in a home, and is an "unreliable witness"...but you'd think records are extant of the investigation, whatever it turned out to be.

[peeker643]

I guess we all want answers sooner than they're available....but I wonder why more attention hasn't been paid (yet) to the 1998 incident...the decision not to prosecute...and the now dead (suicide?) DA who was involved in the case (as linked earlier by JB).

Total speculation, but it's easy to imagine DA found out about 2002 incident(s) and was wracked with guilt about not stopping Sandusky 4 years earlier.

If I recall what I read earlier, the University Police did investigate in '98. What was JoPa's role in that case?...surely he knew about it. If you read the grand jury pdf you know that the janitor who was the eye-witness is elderly now and has dementia and is in a home, and is an "unreliable witness"...but you'd think records are extant of the investigation, whatever it turned out to be.

Interesting part of that grand jury pdf was even Sandusky's wife tried calling one of the victims prior to him appearing. I mean, shit. I don't even know what else to say. Who didn't know this piece of shit was banging little boys?

[HoodooMan]

You know, and something seriously needs to be done about the way college athletics are set up.

it's just like every last one of these scandals are coming off as some bizarre twisted version of the movie "Blue Chips", each thing more shocking and unbelievable as the next.

I was just about to post something to this effect.

Pulling away from PSU specifically, I tend to think this sort of scandal couldn't happen in professional sports. I tend to think this is because very little compares to the power and influence of a major college program in its community. And part of what makes this story so disturbing to me is that, considering that level of power, is something like this really that unbelievable?

I don't know how you go about changing what needs changing, though. Culturally, we're not going to just up and start caring less about sports. Almost regardless of the costs--financially, morally, etc. I don't even want to imagine what that tipping point would have to look like.

What if you took money out of the equation? Rather than going down the road of paying the athletes, go in the complete opposite direction and make college sports non-profit for everyone. Revenues that exceed operating costs go to local charity or something. I fully understand that this will never, ever, ever, ever, ever happen--but even if it could, would that be enough? How much less of a God is Joe Paterno in State College, PA if he isn't making any money for the school? (Not much of a difference, I'd guess.)

[dmiles]

I can't see how the university plays games for the next 3 weeks, and possibly 4.

If PSU wins 2 of 3 they are guaranteed to the B1G title game which means win or lose they are in a major bowl. How the hell can you go on for another month with JoePa on staff, overseeing the transition? What a circus. Of course the BOT might just decide no Bowl game this for just such a reason, but at this point I would not be shocked if they forfeited.

[danwismar]

More on DA Ray Gricar in the NYT

http://nyti.ms/ruLsMz

[noles1]

Wow, this student rally outside Paterno's house is alarming.

This is going to get ugly for PSU if they don't dump EVERYONE involved. Public backlash is going to so wicked (and rightfully) that it will leave irrevocable damage to the university and program.

Paterno's defiance on this is going to FOREVER taint his legacy if he goes out with this "me vs. the establishment" (hypocritical in the fact he's now hiding behind that same establishment)

[Triple-S]

drewmagary Drew Magary
That chant on the lawn is JoePa's Bronco chase.

Is this up there for the biggest sports scandal now? Maybe not oj-like, but how does this rank up there.

[Triple-S]

https://twitter.com/?photo_id=1#!/audsn ... to/1/large

[e0y2e3]

dan_bernstein Dan Bernstein

FYI: names are being x-checked w/Sandusky's Second Mile, and there are other older adult men with "curious" relationships. Only the start.

[motherscratcher]

I just heard that Paternoster will be retiring after the season. At least that's the plan right now.

I doubt that plannholds up. I still think the pressure will be so much that he is out before that.

[jb]

I cannot see this thru the eyes of any of the 1,000 or so students. I just can't.

Sociologically we are entering Nurenberg territory. Seriously. No hyperbole.

[jb]

Little Paterno

Clearly you have yet to see Scott Paterno on TV.

[jb]

More on DA Ray Gricar in the NYT

http://nyti.ms/ruLsMz

Dan - here's what I don't get.

What do all DA's live for and crave?

[peeker643]

Little Paterno

Clearly you have yet to see Scott Paterno on TV.

I have. I was trying to refrain from piling on. The camera adds ten pounds, dude. There were a lot of cameras.

[peeker643]

Not nearly enough. http://bit.ly/ryZazW

To let the guy call his shot and remain through the end of the season would be an abomination in my opinion.

[jb]

Not nearly enough. http://bit.ly/ryZazW

To let the guy call his shot and remain through the end of the season would be an abomination in my opinion.

I actually rarely do this, but I took some time and emailed this to Gov Crobett and the Senate & Houe leadership after I heard about the Board now, too, passing the buck. FWIW.


----------------------------------------------------
I will keep this brief.

I am not a citizen of the Commonwealth at this time, but I was for several years. I trust you have some familiarity with the situation at Penn State and the abject failure of leadership on all levels, now apparently including the Board.

As it stands today, the best the Board can do is debate, discuss, dither and appoint a committee to study the matter. How very collegial of them. As it stands today, Joe Paterno will be celebrated as he leads young men onto the field on international television in front of about 100,000 sycophants who are neither able to maintain any perspective nor appreciate what it means to be a man.

I respectfully ask you to step up and do something no one seems able to do at the Pennsylvania State University, a public entity, and take personal responsibility as a righteous man; legalities and technicalities be damned. I respectfully ask that you please do something so that we are not humiliated by this image on Saturday and that you hold those responsible for the cover up of these heinous acts to a threshold that will allow you to look people in the eyes. The “we” I refer to is not that of the Pennsylvania State University Community, or the citizenry of the Commonwealth, or even as Americans. By “we” I mean decent human beings, fathers, and men who understand what it still means to hold our duty in sacred trust. This is bigger than football, politics, or poll results.

For these young boys violated, for God’s sake, be a man and do something that dignifies them and begins to restore their humanity.

Sincere thanks for your consideration.

[Ziner]

Paterno is only devastated that it got out. The time to be devastated was 1998, or 2002 or any of other perfectly good times he covered up for him.

Is this the biggest fall from grace in sports history? Tiger just effed up his and his family's life.

[Ziner]

Not nearly enough. http://bit.ly/ryZazW

To let the guy call his shot and remain through the end of the season would be an abomination in my opinion.

I actually rarely do this, but I took some time and emailed this to Gov Crobett and the Senate & Houe leadership after I heard about the Board now, too, passing the buck. FWIW.


----------------------------------------------------
I will keep this brief.

I am not a citizen of the Commonwealth at this time, but I was for several years. I trust you have some familiarity with the situation at Penn State and the abject failure of leadership on all levels, now apparently including the Board.

As it stands today, the best the Board can do is debate, discuss, dither and appoint a committee to study the matter. How very collegial of them. As it stands today, Joe Paterno will be celebrated as he leads young men onto the field on international television in front of about 100,000 sycophants who are neither able to maintain any perspective nor appreciate what it means to be a man.

I respectfully ask you to step up and do something no one seems able to do at the Pennsylvania State University, a public entity, and take personal responsibility as a righteous man; legalities and technicalities be damned. I respectfully ask that you please do something so that we are not humiliated by this image on Saturday and that you hold those responsible for the cover up of these heinous acts to a threshold that will allow you to look people in the eyes. The “we” I refer to is not that of the Pennsylvania State University Community, or the citizenry of the Commonwealth, or even as Americans. By “we” I mean decent human beings, fathers, and men who understand what it still means to hold our duty in sacred trust. This is bigger than football, politics, or poll results.

For these young boys violated, for God’s sake, be a man and do something that dignifies them and begins to restore their humanity.

Sincere thanks for your consideration.

Your PR people write that for you? I have seen your work... doesnt look similar.

Seriously though, solid letter.

[Ziner]

Not nearly enough. http://bit.ly/ryZazW

To let the guy call his shot and remain through the end of the season would be an abomination in my opinion.

The comments in that are mind blowing.

All is forgiven Joe we can all Move on now. This is Very Respectful way to go. Your Words almost made me choke up and cry. I can tell they were from the heart. Your image is restored again and no one disagrees with this Statement from you below

I am just sick and tired of this. All of you ethics professors who claim to be the moral police need to look themselves in the mirror. I see people ALL OF THE TIME witness things that they could have prevent and for whatever reason do not. How many of you have driven by an injury accident and not stopped to help. I understand it is apples to oranges and I am not saying that Joe was right or wrong. What I am saying is MOST OF YOU WHO CLAIM TO CARE ABOUT THE VICTIMS REALLY DO NOT!!! This is just your opportunity to knock someone off of their pedestal which somehow makes you feel relevant.

Who are you to judge another mans moral character?? I agree you should just keep your damn mouth shut!!

[noles1]

Little Paterno

Clearly you have yet to see Scott Paterno on TV.

Dude looks like the real-life Penguin. All he needs to do is tape some fingers together and throw on a goofy ass penguin tux.

[Triple-S]

Ben_Jones88 Ben Jones
The Westboro Baptist Church will be protesting before PSU's game against Nebraska.
28 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

jesus christ..

[jb]

Your PR people write that for you? I have seen your work... doesnt look similar.

Found this thing recently. Called "spell check" or something.

[FUDU]

There are some people in State College that need to click the gut check icon.

[Triple-S]

Look, and Hoodoo brought it up earlier.

College Sports, for a lack of a better word is fucked up, and is in dire need of a change.

These people in charge, the AD's, President's and Coaches are often looking out for their own needs and those of the university often over what is morally right.

I often time hear some sports journalist chortle at the matter and claim the government has bigger things to do. you know what? How many student athletes are there out there? How many schools out there receiving state and federal funds are fielding athletic teams? Enough is enough. The system is failing, and it's time something is done. And anything short of a student-athlete strike is not going to change it on it's own.

You know what I would almost do if I were Nebraska or any other Big Ten team and wanting to make a point? refuse to play this game. Until JoePa was gone, and things were on the right path, I'd refuse to play this. They won't because of the money, but, to make that sort of point would speak volumes.

[peeker643]

Great letter, JB.

Like I intimated earlier, part of the problem is people like me who have apparently been ground down enough and seen such things too often (though nowhere near to this extent) that those comments from supporters just don't shock or surprise me anymore. I actually expect that shit.

Forget the degree of the offense for just a minute. The people that show up at Tressel's house or Paterno's house and sing their support are a big part of the problem. Maybe the biggest. Both of them were simply wrong for what they did.

It's one thing to defend/criticize a guy for his call or formation on 3rd and 2. It's an entirely different and vulgar reaction to defend men who were clearly wrong in their actions off the field.

And it gets worse from here. This, in my opinion, clears room at the inn. Other infractions or violations can never be seen in the same in the same light after this PSU mess. People will take the tact that, "Yeah, giving that kid cash and cars was wrong, but no little boys were molested." It pushes the envelope and loosens the belt a couple more notches and it widens our opinions on what may be acceptable.

Now we're arguing degrees of aberrant behavior. Paterno's worse than Tressel who's worse than Bowden who's better than Randy Shannon...etc., or vice versa. There are degrees of accountability and, depending on your rooting interest, they are assessed and compared.

To argue that 'one lapse in judgment' shouldn't negate all the good a man has done over time, to me, is bullshit. It sure as hell does. THIS does, for God's sake. Collectively I think we bear some of the responsibility for our willingness to overlook relatively innocuous infractions and continue to support these people and teams and sports.

I guess I just wonder where this all ends. To even think this was possible a week ago was crazy and now I'm wondering if it will one day be surpassed in it's scope and vile nature. And before I can even say, "That's impossible" I ask myself if this PSU thing was even in the realm of possibility two weeks ago when I was there for the Illinois game.

It's almost incomprehensible and yet at the same time I can't say I'm completely shocked. Disgusted and sick? Yes. Shocked? Not quite.

[jb]

http://nittanylionsden.com/2011-articles/august/first-look-stagg-paterno-championship-trophy.html

Might be time to rethink this one

[danwismar]

More on DA Ray Gricar in the NYT

http://nyti.ms/ruLsMz

Dan - here's what I don't get.

What do all DA's live for and crave?

Not sure what you're getting at here, JB, but...

To reel in a "big fish"?

To stand up for "the rule of law" regardless of political pressures or other influences?

Great letter, by the way. You are so right that this transcends sports, politics and legalities. I think we are all sickened when we see exposed examples like this of the very worst of humanity...pure undiluted evil...because we are confronted with the fact that each of us has in him the capacity for evil...the "devils" you spoke of upthread.

I'm headed to West Lafayette this weekend because Purdue surprised me with a press credential last week. I can't even tell you how ambivalent I am about going to cover a college football game....any college football game...in the wake of this situation. I can scarcely imagine going to State College and pretending that the story is what's going on on the field.

[jb]

Wow, this student rally outside Paterno's house is alarming.

"The most fundamental problem facing colleges and universities throughout America today is the challenge of developing character, conscience, citizenship, tolerance and social responsibility in a society that sometimes gives the impression that such virtues are optional."

- Graham Spanier