I'd cut the family a little slack. They just found out that their recently deceased patriarch is alleged to have done some horrible things -- mostly by failing to live-up to his own moral code. They're having a hard time accepting it.
The only family member who might have been in a position to know was son, Jay Paterno -- who was on the coaching staff. But as SOB (Son of Boss) It's possible he was treated like a mushroom & kept out of the loop. Even if Jay got 'glimmers' he likely wouldn't have said anything to his sibblings, and certainly nothing to his mother, Sue Paterno.
“I’d cut the family a little slack.”
Sorry, but I have to disagree. There is ample evidence that Joe Pa knew exactly what was going on and did nothing. He is, therefore a man of no character or principles. The family has to know that this was the case now. If they were class folks, they would be as quiet as they could. Joe Pa “arranged” to renegotiate his contract early so they are all rolling in taxpayers money. They need to just STFU! This is the dogshit theory in action. “The more that they step in it, the worse it will smell.”
It’s hard for me to believe at least that Jay Paterno didn’t know he was an assistant at PSU for 17 years and was a player on the team too.