This is a much more complicated set of situations than is being acknowledged. We're reading a brief that condenses a lot of time into one ten minute reading.
1. Every one seems to have been afraid of losing their jobs. THAT is to be expected, regardless of the crime. Not saying it's excusable. But, it's reality.
2. Only two people are reported to have witnessed explicit acts. Neither of them called the police. Both reported the activity to superiors. And, that's where it gets 'gray.'
• No one knows the law fully enough to know about 'statutory' obligations and the like.
• There's an expectation, when you are an employee within a larger organization, that you report to a superior and do not take upon yourself certain responsibilities that will certainly affect that organization on a large scale. Calling the police in any of these situations would have done just that. It's a common expectation that the superior will do the proper thing and will rely on you to support that action. But, in this case, everyone who was 'reported to' also had a superior to report to. A long chain of nothing.
3. People are saying what Paterno should have done... Put it into context. Someone tells YOU that your close friend/associate is involved in something this vile. You know that person in a completely different way. First— are you automatically going to believe the accusation? How long would it take you to process that claim and then decide where you stood with regard to loyalty to your friend versus a moral obligation to promote an accusation you have no foundation to trust? And remember you've got a LONG history with this person. Friends tend to get the benefit of the doubt. Paterno is reported to have waited until the next day to report it to his administration. It doesn't say if he attempted to report it sooner/the same day as he was told.
4. There are also legal ramifications for promoting false rumors. It is not unheard of for a person to make an accusation against another person for reasons altogether different from what is truth. Paterno had to process that.
5. Let's assume the allegations were made, and Sandusky's privileges were revoked. And, people SAW Sandusky continue to use the facilities. You also have to assume that all of this was privileged/confidential/private information. If you saw the man walking around after hearing about an accusation, you'd have to assume that the investigation proved nothing or that it proved to be false. What else are you going to do? You'd walk up to Sandusky and ask him if he buggers kids?
6. Although it won't be popular, i will always question what's in the minds of those 12 and 13 year old kids. I know they were manipulated and exploited. But, one of these victims had oral sex performed on him 20 times. And, THEN he grew too 'uncomfortable' with the situation? Where are the parents? Thinking back about my Little League days... There is ZERO possibility any adult gets even a second 'grope' on me. Tickling and showering? My god, no.
7. Jerry Sandusky is clearly a sick individual. Can't say that i feel sorry for him. Not in the least. He's predatory and needs to feel the full weight of the law. But, as a psych major, it still gets to me, how a mind like that 'works.' It's one thing to do your evil deeds in public. But, taking it to the school's showers... Gotta believe the risk was part of the kick. And, that just makes it sicker. Was he hoping to be caught? To end it all.
8. Damn, i feel bad for his wife and family.
