Penn State sex abuse scandal: Must Joe go?
Following the arrest of former Penn State football defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky for alleged sexual abuse, and the arraignment of two PSU officials who failed to alert police, do you think head coach Joe Paterno is accountable?
Historically, whenever Penn State suffered an embarrassing season, cries of “Joe must go” could be heard from sports writers across the country.
The arrest of former Penn State football defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky for the alleged sexual abuse of eight young boys surely marks Penn State’s worst season yet. But to what degree is famed PSU football coach Joe Paterno to blame?
Should Joe Paterno step down as headcoach? Tell us in the comments below.
Paterno says he did his job in 2002 when he was told about allegations against Sandusky of sexual abuse. The grand jury presentment does not say whether he knew the full extent of the witness’ testimony. And Attorney General Linda Kelly says Paterno is not regarded as a target by investigators.
However, Tim Curley, the university’s athletic director, and Gary Schultz, the interim senior vice president for finance and business, both accused of failing to alert police of Sandusky’s actions, were arraigned Monday on $75,000 unsecured bail.
Many are saying Paterno is equally culpable, having failed to alert police. What do you think?
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.