Be part of the solution

Today, Sunday, I just read the statement issued by the Paterno Family about the removal of the statue of Joe Paterno at Penn State. Below the site reference is an excerpt in italics where the family complains about the PSU investigation. It was posted on the Centre Daily Times on 7/22/12.

http://www.centredaily.com/2012/07/22/3268952/statement-from-paterno-family.html

Despite this obviously flawed and one-sided presentation, the University believes it must acquiesce and accept that Joe Paterno has been given a fair and complete hearing. We think the better course would have been for the University to take a strong stand in support of due process so that the complete truth can be uncovered.

It is quite apparent that the Paterno family, just like Joe, doesn’t get it. Joe had plenty of time since 1998 when these allegations began to surface to get a full hearing and to get the total truth out. All Joe had to do is make sure that the allegations were investigated by checking with the Administrators to whom he states he had reported the incident or call the President of the University or the Pennsylvania Attorney General who surely would have taken Joe’s call. But Joe chose either to ignore the report or keep the report hidden.

Joe wasn’t interested in the victims or the University. King Joe was interested in himself and his football program. And now the Paterno family is acting just like Joe. Just like he modeled it.

I just don’t see how you can use the words character and Joe Paterno in the same sentence any longer after what has occurred unless to say he lacked it.

His weak comment about wishing he had done more was the comment of a man who realized he made mistakes in the past, like intentionally covering up these incidents, and who was now being found out so guilt or desire to save himself in some way was causing him to make this statement and try to get the public’s sympathy.

I agree with the Paterno Family that the best way to help the victims is to uncover the full truth (‘We believe the only way to help the victims is to uncover the full truth’) but the Paterno family is using this statement as part of their reasoning to continue the investigation hoping to clear Joe’s name.

I believe there is a lot more to be revealed in future trials and investigations. Why do you think that Penn State agreed to the NCAA sanctions announced on 7.23.12 so readily?

I think what the Paterno family hasn’t considered is that as more information comes out it may not help Paterno or his family. This could be the unintended consequesnce.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if another Paterno Family member is implicated or others who were close to Joe as a result of further investigations?

Do I feel sorry for the Paterno family? Yes. But I would have a lot more respect for all of them if they would try to be a positive influence in this whole situation as the University is attempting to do and not be so concerned with themselves and Joe’s reputation.

This is the statement I would advise the Paterno family to issue but only if it was fully truthful:

‘What can we do to help? It appears that mistakes were made in the past and we want to help to rectify this situation. We are not sure what Joe knew or didn’t know and what he did or didn’t do but we know the type of man Joe was and he wouldn’t want this to happen again or have this outcome where so many people were hurt.

Our prayers go out to all the victims and their families.