Sandusky verdict only ends Part I of this terrible Penn State saga
While Jerry Sandusky has certainly gotten his just due for the heinous crimes he committed upon young boys for so many years, there are many more months — and probably years — ahead before the ‘whole truth’ is known and accounted for.
And, sad to say, we will probably never know the depths of this scandal — how many more victims are there? How many people knew and sat idly and blindly by as the lives of youngsters were forever altered by this monster among men?
Penn State releases a statement following the verdict, which found Sandusky — the former defensive coordinator at Penn State — guilty on 45 of 48 counts.
On the surface, it may appear that it is a bonafide attempt to accept responsibility and make an accounting to the victims.
But there is a portion of it that stood out to me … here it is:
“…The University wants to continue that dialogue and do its part to help victims continue their path forward. To that end, the University plans to invite victims of Mr. Sandusky’s abuse to participate in a program to facilitate the resolution of claims against the University arising out of Mr. Sandusky’s conduct. The purpose of the program is simple – the University wants to provide a forum where the University can PRIVATELY (my caps), expeditiously and fairly address the victims’ concerns and compensate them for claims relating to the University. …”
In other words, PSU will attempt to head off at the pass the multitude of civil suits that are coming. But they are only looking after their own interests. By trying to settle quietly they not only can deflect public criticism but probably settle for less money than victims would receive from a civil jury. That alone is reason to doubt their sincerity.
Of course the major reason to doubt that they have truly accepted responsibility is the fact that this went on under their noses for 15-plus years. And so many strained their necks looking the other way — all to safeguard the brand that is Penn State football.
The legendary coach Joe Paterno had preached “Success with Honor” and Penn State fans bragged and boasted that they won doing things the “right way.”
Well, the veil of secrecy has been lifted and I dare say the light beginning to shine on this facade will become brighter and brighter in time.
Everyone knew. Book it.
The football program, along with the University’s ties to Sandusky’s charity “The Second Mile,” meant millions of dollars in revenue. If Sandusky would have been properly investigated in 1998 or even in 2001 when accusations arose, what would that have meant for the program’s image? The donations it received? The financial link it had with Second Mile?
So instead of doing things the right way, it was handled ‘in house’ and a lid was kept on it.
Well, the lid is off and this Pandora’s box of ugliness has only begun to be exposed.
We hope so anyway … for all the victims’ sakes, and so that ones with power — ones that try to put money, image and prestige before humanity — will think twice before heading down the same path …