Perhaps I am supposing too much. Bottom line for me is I don't know what was in Paterno's heart or mind. No one on FR does. The media never did. As a rule, I don't condemn people unless they have been tried and convicted (I even have exceptions to that these days). Look at the way Kyle Rittenhouse has been treated and that is with plenty of video for all to see. But he's been condemned by the media and even resident Brandon. With Paterno there was no video, just piss poor reporting from the media, based on rumors and I suspect somethings that were just made up. I wouldn't under play the hatred many had for Paterno simply because he was a conservative and involved in politics in PA.
If someone who worked for you saw a child sexually assaulted in your workplace murder or insert any crime, and you had nothing to do with the victim or the perp, who also used to work for you, kept showing up at your workplace, with other children in tow, would you think it was your job to follow up on your employee to the police?
Yes.
Your take on the matter is similar to mine. The degree of media damage on this issue is remarkable and this is among people who distrust the media.