Go Penn State!!!

The other day I sparked quite a debate on my facebook post of the firing of Coach Joe Paterno.  I deleted that post.  I am re-posting today on the same subject.  But before you start to question me on my judgment I implore you to actually read the facts, check into the actual allegations, and the timeline of the transition of events.  I will continue to stand behind the fact that Penn State Board should have respected the legacy of Coach Paterno, and what he has done for their football program for 40+ years.  The blame of “someone should have done more”  lies back on the DA in 1998, when a mother of a boy in The Second Mile program brings accusations on Sandusky…to authorities! And said authorities dropped all charges, or how about the janitor who witnessed another account in 2000, but didn’t follow through with his obligation as a witness. And that brings us to the event that occurred in 2002, where Coach McQuearry witnessed yet another incident and ran! Did he follow up with what he actually witnessed??? NO, did he report it to his hierarchy, yes. Coach Paterno, and he notified those that needed to be notified, but nothing happened.  Meetings were held, who knows what was said behind closed doors, but the reality remains, those that witnessed did nothing!

Don’t get me wrong, I am in no way saying what happened to those children or their family was in any way ok.  It’s not! I am a mother of 3 boys, one of which is the age of some of the victims, I would be furious!!! I think I would be more furious at the mother that didn’t make sure this pedophile was not taken off the streets!  I mean crap! Why are those involved in the first allegations not being questioned on their involvement of covering it up?  And what of Coach McQuearry, he’s still employed as a coach at Penn State! Unfortunately, they are ruining an amazing coach and his amazing accomplishments as a head coach.  Should he have done more? Absolutely.  Should he be fired? No! He was actually putting the school first and not the program, and retiring at the end of the season. He had a duty to his players, to the school, and the fans of Happy Valley.

Let’s, for a minute, turn the situation around.  Let’s say that a person, who is completely involved in the community, who is giving back to families, to those that have lost, someone on the outside what you see is an amazing person, someone who helps those in need.  Let’s say you were told, by someone else, that this person has been accused of doing the unthinkable. And let’s say you have known this person for 40+ years, and you know their character, their family, how they interact with the community, and the people.  Let’s say it’s someone you have worked side by side with for many many years, you were a mentor, or maybe mentored by this person, you see them as family, and then someone accuses them of the unthinkable.  Would you take this accuser at their word? Would you pick up the phone without a second thought and call the authorities? Would you denounce them and any and all communication with this person?  Let’s say this person was your family?

I’m just asking you to think a little, and to collect all the facts.  My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all who are involved.  I will remain behind JO Pa, and the fact that he should still be on the sidelines today coaching the Penn State Nittany Lions to another win over Nebraska!