Joe Paterno memorial service: Phil Knight says coach is not the villain in Penn State scandal

Washington Compost ^ | 1/26/2012 | Cindy Boren

[WPaCon]

“Whatever the details of the investigation are, this much is clear to me: There was a villain in this tragedy. It lies in the investigation, not in Joe Paterno’s response to it,” Knight said, prompting a prolonged standing ovation from the crowd in the Bryce Jordan Center on the Penn State campus.

Despite Paterno’s actions, “he was excoriated by the media and fired over the telephone by his university. Yet in all his subsequent appearances in the press, on TV, interacting with students, conversing with hospital personnel, giving interviews, he never complained, he never lashed out. Every word, every bit of body language conveyed a single message: We are Penn State.

“So I do not follow conventional wisdom. Joe is my hero. Every day for 12 of the last 12 years [since the death of Bowerman]. But it does lead me to this question: Who is the real trustee at Penn State University?”

Knight wrapped up his comments by recalling his reaction to the news that Paterno had died.

“In periods of stress and grief, you say things that surprise you. When I came back from Mass on Sunday ... [and learned that Paterno had died], the first words out of my mouth, way out of sequence and typically self-centered, through the tears, I asked, “Who is going to be my hero now?’ It's a question everyone in this arena should ask and I do not have an answer for you, but I can tell you this much, that old hero set a standard that will live forever. Thank you.”

[WPaCon]

I’ve slowly came to the same conclusion as you.

There were a lot of people with knee jerk reaction, but public opinion is now beginning to reflect the truth of the story.

After talking to so many people that knew him and have interacted with him, it’s almost unfathomable that he would knowingly enable child rape. People almost unanimously praise him. Now, since he is not perfect, there are a few people who don’t particularly like him that I have talked to. However, in most cases, their complaints were petty and said as much about them as Paterno.

Listening to Michael Robinson’s speech yesterday, does Paterno really sound like a guy who would enable such a thing?

[LeonardFMason]

“Truth is that he(Paterno) wasn’t capable at his age to deal with this problem. He should have retired years ago.”

EXACTLY.

I have to laugh at those who are so CERTAIN of his innocence or guilt. All of the FACTS are not established. They will be in time. No one yet has the COMPLETE story.

Remember the Duke “rape” case? Privileged white Lacrosse players, partying, hire strippers, one stripper claims to be raped. Before all the FACTS came to light, how many folks were CERTAIN these young men were guilty? Everything changed when the facts came out.

I think Sandusky is guilty of something. His apology to the Mother of a young boy and being caught naked in a shower with a young boy in a dark building, can't be explained.

Joe Paterno? The fact that he says he wished he did more is troublesome. Although, as the Sandusky allegations multiplied, I am sure there are a lot of people who wished they did more.

In a coming day we will learn who knew what. We will know the details. It could be Joe Paterno knew everything and is responsible for not doing enough to stop it. It could be he was an old man, out of touch with the subject matter, old and feeble minded, unable to grasp the reality of the situation.

Something tells me the truth is in between and there will never be a happy ending to this story for anyone.

[LoveUSA]

Another thing that strikes me after listening to everyone who recounted Joe's last days. He never complained about his treatment, never whined about his condition, never lashed out at his accusers, and, when asked about the situation, he did not squirm to protect his image. Even after all the criticism, Joe spoke about the experience with Sandusky honestly and admitted his shortfalls.

How many people do you know who would respond that way if they were harboring guilt? None.

Character, good or bad, is hard to cover up.

[newzjunkey]

I see the usual false idol worshippers swooping in defend their boy Joe and Pedophilia Penn.

I have no respect for those who worship at the feet of athletics.

I've been here long enough to know if he'd been a priest or bishop who passed the buck on such allegation as Joe did, the pitchforks and torches would be out and trashing of the Catholic Church would be ... sport.

[re_nortex]

That’s not his only offense. He’s responsible for the UofO having the ugliest football and band uniforms in the history of the sport.

The University of Maryland Terrapins are now challenging the Oregon Ducks for the title of the most bletcherous uniforms in all of sport.

[cva66snipe]

You tell me then what did the university campus police and the state welfare know and why didn't they do their jobs? Never been in an abuse case before have you? If the campus police and state welfare whom BTW allowed him to be a Foster Parent did not act so WTH do you thing Joe would have? Based of what? Hearsay??? Does you boss act on every water cooler rumor? You would have a small work place if he did.

It was THEIR JOB {meaning the state agencies} to Investigate and act. They didn't ant it came back too bite them like it does many times in these cases. What did they do? The looked for someone else to blame. Who did they blame? An 85 year old dieing man. Joe's only downfall was believing people sworn an oath to do a duty would actually do it. So did I till I got hung out too dry in an abuse case. Only I had evidence. None of it got used. Should I have went too jail? Hell I almost did trying too get someone too listen. Then when it was botched and case lost they blamed me.

[Tribune7]

ping

[Twink]

Thanks for the ping. I just finished watching the memorial service. What a great send off to Paterno by his former players, current players and students of the university. Cefalo’s was probably my favorite speech but all the others came close.

[Twink]

Paterno’s legacy is far from ruined. The alumni, former players, current students at Penn State won’t allow that to happen. We will make sure the facts are known regardless of what the media wants.

[Twink]

Well said.

He can’t be their scapegoat now. The BOT and Penn State Admin got tons of blacklash trying to make Paterno the scapegoat. They didn’t count on all the people who supported him and technology available to counteract their agenda.

The BOT were trying to get rid of him for over a decade and this scandal provided a perfect opportunity for them, so they thought.

[Twink]

Yes, people who are sheep, swayed by the media and their own closed minded take on a sensationalized story do believe this.

It doesn’t matter how much factual information is posted. Some people fell for the agenda and the sensationalized media story.

Paterno was the scapegoat of the university and the media (and the sheep fell for it) until the backlash. But, the media, BOT, Admin, succeeded in sullying a good man’s name. They just didn’t expect anyone to fight back and were surprised.

[cva66snipe]

It sure cooled down the media frenzy calling for blood didn't it? Which his firing did just what it was intended too do. I don't think the one accused and charged is the only one they had too worry about though. But I bet he takes the fall for all as far as charges go. Repeat scandal in a few more years different accused perp though.

[Twink]

I will never stop sticking up for those falsely accused.

[Twink]

Sandusky wasn’t on staff in 2002 when Paterno was told by McQuery of what he saw in the showers. Sandusky wasn’t an employee of Penn State at the time since he retired in 1999 or 1998.

Paterno reported what he heard from McQuery (sp) to his superiors, one of whom was chief of the university police.

[Twink]

Yep, it sure did.

I agree.

[dixiechick2000]

“The University of Maryland Terrapins are now challenging the Oregon Ducks for the title of the most bletcherous uniforms in all of sport.”

It’s a race to the bottom! lol