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Paterno Cleared in Penn State Sex Scandal

But one columnist says he must resign

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 7, 2011 4:01 PM CST

(Newser) – Looks like legendary football coach Joe Paterno is off the hook in Penn State’s sex abuse scandal, but other officials aren’t nearly so lucky. Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly told reporters today that two school administrators who resigned today "allowed a child predator to continue to victimize children for many, many years.” Paterno, however, fulfilled his legal obligation by relaying a story to superiors about former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky fondling a boy in the locker room shower, the New York Times reports.

Paterno still worked with Sandusky for years—enough to prompt one sports columnist to say that "Paterno needs to do the honorable thing and resign before he coaches another game." But even more alarming is Sandusky's admission in 1998 about inappropriate contact in the school showers: During a Penn State investigation into Sandusky's behavior, he “made admissions about inappropriate contact in the shower room," says a former state AG official. “Nothing happened. Nothing stopped.” Sandusky now faces 40 charges of sexually abusing underage boys, and maintains his innocence.

This Dec. 28, 1999 photo shows Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky on the sideline during the first quarter of the Alamo Bowl game against Texas A&M,  in  San Antonio, Tex.
This Dec. 28, 1999 photo shows Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky on the sideline during the first quarter of the Alamo Bowl game against Texas A&M, in San Antonio, Tex.   (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Joe Paterno receives a plaque celebrating his 409th career win after the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 29, 2011, at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania.
Joe Paterno receives a plaque celebrating his 409th career win after the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 29, 2011, at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania.   (Getty Images)
Penn State university vice president Gary Schultz walks into the Magisterial District Court on November 7, 2011 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Penn State university vice president Gary Schultz walks into the Magisterial District Court on November 7, 2011 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.   (Getty Images)
Former Penn State athletic director Tim Curley exits a district judge's office after an arraignment Monday, Nov. 7, 2011, in Harrisburg, Pa.
Former Penn State athletic director Tim Curley exits a district judge's office after an arraignment Monday, Nov. 7, 2011, in Harrisburg, Pa.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
Aitchondo
Nov 8, 2011 8:57 AM CST
Say it ain't so, Joe. If I report abuse to the higher ups and they don't do something about it, the next step are the cops or media. I don't just keep working with the ass for many more years. Joe, Joe, Joe. It's time to man up and resign. You failed in your obligation to the young men in your charge. Leave now, and not slowly. Go home. Have a beer and watch some football on t.v.
ABrightIdea
Nov 8, 2011 8:16 AM CST
As a Wisconsin fan I would like nothing more than for JoePa to be gone but lets be serious here at any workplace the procedure for reporting workplace misconduct is report it and then let the people who are trained and paid to deal with it deal with it. Issues of child sexual abuse are so high charged that just being anywhere near a case can tarnish your reputation and as such having a professional staff member take care of it is necessary on many levels.  Joe hearing a second hand report of an incident followed proper channels and expected that the issue would be investigated and settled to expect more from him is borderline rediculous
Veritas
Nov 8, 2011 6:51 AM CST
Joe an school employees made poor decisions and young people now suffer from PSTD and other problems..JOE should do the right thing and step aside ..he did not follow up on what was a VERY SERIOUS crime..he looked the other way.
 

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