The Penn State football head coach, Joe Paterno, was fired on Nov. 9, after his former second-in-command Jerry Sandusky was charged with a sexually abusing boys over a period of 15 years. Supposedly Skandusy has been charged with sexually abusing eight boys.
In 2002, Skandusky was seen by the other assistant coach, Mike McQueary, in the shower with a ten year old boy. McQueary went to Coach Paterno and told him Skandusky had behaved inappropriately. As required by law, Paterno reported the incident to Cruley, his superior at Penn State. Later in time the superior went to the campus police.
Because of his inaction, not taking control and not calling the police about the situation, Skandusky, Paterno, and the superior were all fired from their duties.
I agree that Paterno should have gone to the police when he first heard the news. He should have called the police, questioned Skandusky and the children, and set the rules with Skandusky and relieved him from his duties as soon as possible.
Although, I do not agree that Paterno should have been fired from his successful football career. Even though Paterno did not follow up with the police, he did make an effort to tell someone about the situation that could or could not have happened.
I disagree with the University’s decision to remove Paterno’s name from the Big Ten Trophy. This scandal should not affect his achievements that have happened in the past. Paterno had already decided to retire after this season, but instead he was fired mid-season by Penn State trustees.
The University should have treated Paterno with the respect he deserves whether he made a mistake or not.
After 46 years of Paterno coaching the Penn State Nittary Lions, he has had a successful career. He holds the record for the most victories by NCAA Division 1 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football coach with 409 victories and is the only FBS Coach to to reach 400 victories. Students and fans are devastated without the leader of the team, and he will be missed.