Monday, July 23, 2012

Live By the Sword...Die by the Sword

If, as reported in the Freeh Report, Joe Paterno and other top Penn State officials knew about, covered up, or simply turned a blind eye to the actions of Jerry Sandusky to protect Penn State, Penn State Football, and, by extension, their legacies, the sanctions and punishments handed out today are perfect. Again, as reported by Judge Freeh, if everybody's overriding concern during the period was PSU, PSU Football, and their legacies, and not the children, then hit them where it hurts. Take down the University, Football, and the legacies. It may seem overly vindictive, especially in the case of the dead Paterno, but, his actions, or lack of actions, brought it on himself, and he therefore does not deserve to be recognized as a great coach in the record books. On the positive side, and I think there may be one, for current players and students, there will still be football. It will be less intense for awhile without the prospect of a post season, but there will still be football to enjoy and escape to on Saturday afternoons. And, those players who choose to stick around, will still be able to play, and, if they are good enough, still catch the eyes of pro scouts for an after graduation career. They may even get some added attention if they are seen as still playing their hearts out, even with no possible Bowl Games. Finally, the $60 million fine will not break the University. They have billions. It will, however, go to the good cause of helping others who have suffered abuse.