Penn State… Now what?

What’s next with Penn State? Now rumors are flying that Coach Paterno knew the depths of Sandusky’s depravity and yet, told Tim Curley, then Penn State AD, to make the sexual abuse scandal go away.

Apparently, Administration had made a decision to report Sandusky’s sexual abuse behavior, but following a meeting between Paterno and Curley, an email surfaced outlining a change in course as to how to handle the situation.

If you recall, Penn State was coming off a 4 -7 season in 2000 followed by 5-6 record in 2001 and the “Joe must go” movement was gaining momentum. Penn State would have one winning season from 2000 through 2004 and one wonders if the school officials determined that if the Sandusky’s criminal behavior became public knowledge, it would force them to remove Coach Paterno.

Penn State did get back on track in 2005 as they went 11-1 in that season and Paterno never experienced another losing season. Coach Paterno then went on to break Eddie Robinson’s most wins at the division I level by beating Illinois 10-7 on Oct. 29, 2011.

The family has asked Pennsylvania’s attorney general, Louis Freeh (former Director of the FBI) to make public these alleged e-mails. The Paterno family spokesperson/Lawyer, Wick Sollers, is saying that the emails are out of context and the person who leaked the material used “selected e-mails” to smear Coach Paterno.

The attorney general’s office said they do not release materials earmarked for a grand jury and are not responsible for the leaks.

Rumors abound:

1) Penn State will receive the Death Penalty (football season canceled for at least one year)  from the NCAA for lack of institutional control.

Fact: I can find nothing from the NCAA on their version of the  Death Penalty being applied or even being considered for Penn State at this time!

2) Big Ten is considering removing Penn State from the conference.

Fact: Absolutely False (cannot find any discussion from any Big Ten officials on this anywhere)

3) The Big Ten Network was soft on reporting the Sandusky sex crimes and how Penn State handled the situation.

Fact: Big Ten Network had an open discussion with Sports Illustrated on their coverage of the Sandusky sex scandal and Penn State subsequent responses. Soft vs reported was the crux of the discussion.

This is a criminal matter not a sports discipline issue. Penn State needs to release all information to the authorities, reiterate its absolute commitment to keeping children safe and challenge the perception that Penn State continues to foster a climate where the university is placing its image in front of a child’s well-being.