Joe Paterno Concealed Facts About Sandusky Sex Abuse: Report
With legendary football coach Joe Paterno's reputation looming in the balance, more evidence has come forth regarding the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal. Penn State University has released a report that was conducted by former FBI Director Louie Freeh.
According to Freeh's report, football coach Joe Paterno and other highly regarded individuals at the university "repeatedly concealed critical facts" in terms of the wrong doing of assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.
Members of the Penn State Board of Trustees had this to say regarding the findings at an afternoon press conference:
"Our hearts remain heavy, and we are deeply ashamed," said trustee Kenneth C. Frazier, chairman, CEO and president of the Merck & Co. pharmaceutical company. "An event like this can never happen again in the Penn State University community. Judge Freeh's report is both sad and sobering."
The President of the university, Rodney A. Erickson said, "It has become clear to me that I need to reconsider our community's leadership culture." He said the university is partnering with the Pennsylvania Coalition against Rape, and creating a center for the protection of children. "This is a problem that plagues our nation," Erickson continued, "and we have a special duty" to prevent any child abuse from occurring.
"The whole topic of Joe Paterno being honored or not being honored is a very sensitive topic," said Karen B. Peetz, chairman of the board. "We believe this is something that will continue to be discussed," she continued.
The Freeh findings claim that the university's goal was to avoid a bad public image from the scandal. The report also included other information such as lack of empathy on the university's part for the child abuse victims; which meant ignorance in terms of child abuse laws and issue.
The latest evidence in the high profile case may potentially affect long-time coach Joe Paterno's legendary status as well as the university's standing with the NCAA.
Just before his death, Paterno had testified to a grand jury that he was unaware of any criminal investigation. However, Freeh claimed that the longtime coach was indeed one of the officials who knew and allowed the incarcerated Sandusky to stay at the university.
Let's all keep our fingers crossed that those that were involved are given their proper punishments and the child abuse victims and their families get the proper justice.
