This isn’t a sliding scale, however.
Everyone who had knowledge of what allegedly occurred in 2002 had an obligation — morally, if not legally — to do all they could to help authorities determine what happened. Paterno didn’t do that.
- Jason Reid
- Columnist
Penn State trustees take immediate step that Joe Paterno should have
The Washington Post's LaVar Arrington discusses life after Joe Paterno for Penn State University following the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal.
Paterno defended his actions, saying he spoke with the athletic director instead of turning to authorities, in part, because he was not informed of the “very specific actions” McQueary included in his grand jury testimony. Paterno, though, also said McQueary was “distraught.” That didn’t lead Paterno to ask for more specifics? That wasn’t enough for him to do more than he did?
Paterno is not a target of the ongoing investigation, Pennsylvania authorities say. He seems to have done what was legally required of him in the situation, but is guilty of what the state police commissioner described as a lapse of “moral responsibility.”
“I am absolutely devastated by the developments in this case,” Paterno stated.
Not enough, though, to acknowledge his individual failure by stepping aside right away.
Finally there’s the issue of the Penn State football team, which plays host to Nebraska on Saturday. The Nittany Lions, who have three regular season games remaining, are among the nation’s top teams. They could play for the Big Ten title and finish their season in the Rose Bowl.
If Paterno truly cared as much about his players as he says, he should have set a positive example. He should have shown them that accepting responsibility is more important than continuing to feed your ego.
“My goals now are to keep my commitments to my players and staff and finish the season with dignity and determination,” Paterno stated. “And then I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this university.”
That may well happen. But on Wednesday, when it was time to help Penn State University in its time of crisis, Paterno couldn’t do it himself. So the trustees did it for him, sending a clear message: You’re not making the decisions here any more.
Joe Paterno fired as football coach at Penn State
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Photos: Paterno’s career at an end
Video: Paterno speaks to crowd after firing
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