Penn State...what did Paterno know?

[Happy Panther]

Thats part of the problem, there is no law in PA requiring someone to report suspected child abuse. If he was in NC he would have been charged with a crime.

Legality aside, he had a moral obligation once he saw that Sandusky was still on campus to push the issue, and he didn't. Morally, he's as guilty as Sandusky.

Likely a misdemeanor fine in NC. Still not comparable to child rape.

We don't know what Paterno did nor do we know what exactly he was told by McQuery nor do we know what his bosses told him. He may have pushed or he may have actively helped cover it up. Who knows.

I'd still like to hear an interview.

[Carolina Husker]

Thanks you for English majoring up my point

[Panthro]

Likely a misdemeanor fine in NC. Still not comparable to child rape.

Penalties for Failure to Report

Approximately 47 States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands impose penalties on mandatory reporters who knowingly or willfully fail to make a report when they suspect that a child is being abused or neglected.2 Failure to report is classified as a misdemeanor in 39 States and American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.3 In Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota, misdemeanors are upgraded to felonies for failure to report more serious situations, while in Illinois and Guam, second or subsequent violations are classified as felonies.

Twenty States and the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands specify in the reporting laws the penalties for failure to report.4 Upon conviction, a mandated reporter who fails to report can face jail terms ranging from 10 days to 5 years or fines ranging from $100 to $5,000. In seven States and American Samoa, in addition to any criminal penalties, the reporter may be civilly liable for any damages caused by the failure to report.5

...

[Guest]

Likely a misdemeanor fine in NC. Still not comparable to child rape.

We don't know what Paterno did nor do we know what exactly he was told by McQuery nor do we know what his bosses told him. He may have pushed or he may have actively helped cover it up. Who knows.

I'd still like to hear an interview.

To me what it all boils down to is this: If I heard that someone that I knew was molesting kids I would do whatever it takes to make sure the claim was investigated fully by THE POLICE. I wouldn't stop until it was. I couldn't bear the thought of another kid getting molested because I didn't do anything, because I was scared of losing my job, or because of some goddamn win-loss record. The fact that Paterno's guilt is even a discussion blows me away.

[Darth Biscuit]

I simply don't understand why you wouldn't report it... even if it was my best friend that I found doing this, it's a KID. You don't do that to kids. I would turn his ass in in a heart beat. How could you know that that might be going on and not try to do something about it?

As far as Sandusky goes, I'm sure he'll get some of what's coming to him in prison, but it won't be enough. If it was my kid that this happened to, given the opportunity, I would kill him... slowly. Of that I have no doubt.

[Carolina Husker]

We don't know what Paterno did nor do we know what exactly he was told by McQuery

Just because you keep repeating this doesn't actually make it true.

And even if it was, what could he possibly have said that would have caused any doubt in JoePa's mind that maybe this was something he shouldn't follow up on?

[Happy Panther]

To me what it all boils down to is this: If I heard that someone that I knew was molesting kids I would do whatever it takes to make sure the claim was investigated fully by THE POLICE. I wouldn't stop until it was. I couldn't bear the thought of another kid getting molested because I didn't do anything, because I was scared of losing my job, or because of some goddamn win-loss record. The fact that Paterno's guilt is even a discussion blows me away.

We know Paterno is "guilty" of something. The question is how responsible he is for what went on. Need more details.

I can't ever say he is just as responsible as the guy who did the diddling but I seem to be in the minority

[Happy Panther]

One thing that will make you guys happy is that Penn State will likely be faced with multiple civil suits. Don't know if Paterno would have to stand trial or not.

[Guest]

We know Paterno is "guilty" of something. The question is how responsible he is for what went on. Need more details.

I can't ever say he is just as responsible as the guy who did the diddling but I seem to be in the minority

we agree to disagree then :)

[Darth Biscuit]

We know Paterno is "guilty" of something. The question is how responsible he is for what went on. Need more details.

I can't ever say he is just as responsible as the guy who did the diddling but I seem to be in the minority

Before 2002, yes it is a correct statement to say Paterno is not responsible... but after you know something and choose to either ignore it, push it up the chain of command and forget about it, or however you want to categorize it, he is just as responsible for what happened after that. His non-action allowed the abuse to continue.

[Matt Foley]

We know Paterno is "guilty" of something. The question is how responsible he is for what went on. Need more details.

I can't ever say he is just as responsible as the guy who did the diddling but I seem to be in the minority

Nah. I'm with you. I don't even like Paterno. Think he's an egomaniac who should have been fired in 2004. But to compare him to Sandusky is just ridiculous. Sandusky isn't "sick," any more than regular rapists are sick or arsonists are sick. He is a monster who did unforgivable things. Paterno is guilty of being an egomaniac in pursuit of the pinnacle of his profession. He told his AD. Was that enough? In hindsight, no. But he DID tell his boss. The rest of this mess is on the university.

[Happy Panther]

Before 2002, yes it is a correct statement to say Paterno is not responsible... but after you know something and choose to either ignore it, push it up the chain of command and forget about it, or however you want to categorize it, he is just as responsible for what happened after that. His non-action allowed the abuse to continue.

You would have no issue with life in prison for Paterno?

[Cat]

Paterno was told directly by McQueary that he had seen Sandusky raping a 10 year old boy in the PSU lockerroom showers. Paterno knew this for 10 years and never acted on it besides telling his AD, who also did next to nothing.

Ok yeah that's completely on him. NO excuse.

[Darth Biscuit]

You would have no issue with life in prison for Paterno?

Obviously there is a difference between moral crimes and physical crimes.

No, life in prison would not be appropriate, but some form of punishment would be, including jail time. His non-action (and others involved) allowed the abuse to continue, they share responsibility in the situation after they became aware of it.