I have said this before, but I will say it again. Paterno did not know when to leave. He stayed too long and was surrounded by a bunch of “yes” men and hero worship types. This kind of thing leads to no good as it did here. There was a TV piece by a sports reporter (don’t remember who it was) that said he could just walk into most football offices, pro and college,but not Penn State.
I cannot believe, as a rational person that Paterno did not know at least the surface that Sandusky was a pervert and had been for a long period of time. I also know as a fact (knowing a couple of people that live in Happy Valley) that most of the town at least had a suspicion that Sandusky was a pervert long before it came to public light.
The BOT should have suspended the football program, totally changed the culture that Paterno installed and done it as soon as Sandusky was arrested. They did not and let the NCAA do so and take the heat. The current “movement” of those former players and graduates is nothing more than a “me, me” deal. Like it or not, not matter how it is spun, this scandal will always be with Penn State. So, defend away because that is most surely your right, but make no mistake- Paterno’s name will always be associated with this mess as well it should.
If you have friends in State College that knew js was committing crimes, you might urge them to contact the authorities. There are still several investigations taking place - most involving the second mile, as well as the failings of the CYS and DPW agencies. You know, the ones that allowed js to adopt 5 children and foster dozens of others.
None of these entities have anything to do with Joe Paterno and very little to do with the University.
As to Joe - many believe he DID hang on too long, but not at all due to what you cite. I think many fans were unhappy with his offensive play calling, and his refusal to travel to recruit in his later years. The “culture” he created and maintained was always one of excellence - especially in the classroom.
If Joe was so powerful, how did he get fired?