My memory is that Sandusky’s wife was criticized at the time.
But it seems reasonable to believe Sandusky’s wife was dependent on her husband, under his control, and intimidated. The adopted son was likely intimidated by him, and had zero power over his conduct. OTOH, Paterno could fire, ban from campus, and publicly destroy Sandusky anytime he chose. That would have created a big scandal, hurt the FOOTBALL program, and tarnished his halo.
What you believe to be reasonable is again based on the narrative. You reasoned that a woman in that circumstance was intimidated and controlled. Was that stated as part of any facts?