Sandusky Trial

While this blog mainly focuses on the positive things to be learned from Sports, I can't ignore those things that may cast a negative light on sports either. A few previous posts have centered on the tremor that forever shook Penn State last fall. Jerry Sandusky was accused of the most heinous crime. This past week, a jury made up of his peers found him guilty on forty-five counts related to child sex abuse. Watching this case was difficult for me, even though I was nowhere near the courtroom. I couldn't realize how such awful things could go on for so long and nobody knew about them. As much as I didn't want the accusations to be true, I wanted justice (as much as possible) to be served. The shadow over Happy Valley is large and may stick around for awhile. Accusations will continually be made about people not speaking up sooner or going directly to the police, but we should never forget that it was Jerry Sandusky that committed the heinous crimes.

Joe Paterno: The Day the Legend Died

Like many of you, I was deeply saddened by the loss of Joe Paterno. I was heartbroken to hear that his condition took a turn for the worst last night. The first thing I thought about this morning was wondering if the legend was still alive or night. A coaching career that spanned several decades a produced many championships was abruptly halted last November. While he scandal that ended the career of Joe Paterno was a terrible thing, we should all remember that he wasn't the person that molested young boys. Should he have done more to involve law enforcement? Only time can and God know the answer to that question. Hopefully his family can have peace at their time of great loss.

RIP Joe Pa

The Shadow Engulfs

If you read yesterday's post you will know what this is about. Joe Paterno announced earlier today that he would retire at the end of the season. I was devastated by this news as it was very apparent that he didn't get to choose his retirement date. It is also tragic that a legend has to be taken down so hard. As I said yesterday, the facts are all not out and that makes it difficult to come to conclusions on this matter. Tonight the Board of Trustees pushed back harder firing the University President as well as Coach Paterno. It was devastating news to hear. The man that took the sidelines every week for the past 46 seasons was fired by the university that used to love him (and he loved it in return). The worst part about this whole scandal is clearly those that were abused. That should not be discarded. Another tragedy is that this scandal will forever be on Paterno's record. It should always be remembered that the coach didn't commit these atrocious acts, but he will largely receive the blame for them. When he eventually passes away (hopefully not soon) this story will be retold about why was fired from Penn State. Gone are the glory days and forgotten is the infamous Coach Joe Pa.

The Shadow over Happy Valley

Once in awhile there is a legend that dwells among man. They accomplish great things and are a rare find. In sports, these figures are even more rare. One man has led a college football team for more than fifty years. Their have been conference and national championships. For more than half a century Joe Paterno has roamed the sidelines leading the Penn State Football team. He has been an example both on and off the field. His career winning percentage is 74.6% (which is phenomenal if you didn't know). Last Saturday a huge scar was scratched into Coach Paterno's name, fame, and legacy. Former Defensive Coordinator, Jerry Sandusky was arrested on numerous counts revolving around sexual abuse of minors. Some of these acts took place on the Penn State Campus, with a few possibly occurring on the premises of the football facilities. Paterno was informed of the misconduct that occurred and reported it to the Penn State Athletic Director. All of these are just claims at this point and shouldn't be viewed as factual since the legal process hasn't yet taken its course. Many people have questioned if Paterno did enough to prevent Sandusky from abusing more children. These claims have also led to many asking that Paterno step down as head football coach. I am not taking a position either way about Paterno stepping down. We don't yet know the facts that only Paterno knows. What I am saying is how very devastating the whole situation is. Paterno was seen as a trusted person and devious people are attracted to trustworthy people. Sexual Abuse has no place in the sports world (I hope that I make it clear that it has NO place in the sports world). It is completely unfortunate that this has happened under Paterno's tenure. I hope that no matter the outcome of a possible resignation (Paterno) and conviction (Sandusky) that it will be for the right reasons.