Perspectives
by ED CHERRYHOLMES
Ever so often a giant falls and leaves a vacuum which likely will not be overcome for a very long time. Such is the situation at Penn State. Joe Paterno has been head coach at Penn State University for 46 years and assistant coach for years before that. His total coaching career at Penn State totals nearly 60 years. During this past week he has watched his reputation come apart at the seams with little way to regain it.
By now the reports of child abuse are nationwide – and even worldwide. The good that Paterno has done, especially for Penn State, is being put in danger of being lost. I think it was Marc Antony who said it best, “The evil that men do live after them. The good is often interred with their bones.” How sad it would be if that were the case here. Over a span of several years, at least 18 boys – now men – have come forward to report sexual abuse. It is difficult to know how things will come out at this point, but likely Paterno’s image has suffered a fatal blow.
Paterno reportedly buried reports of abuse over a long period of time. Now he must bear the brunt of criticism for failing to report the incidents to police.
Paterno was like a little god at Penn State. He gave great sums of money to the university and did a lot of good. Now he is in danger of living out his life in shame and humiliation. I feel some sense of sympathy, in light of all the good he did. However, one of the most sacred areas for a teacher/coach is watching out for our youth. That stands far and away more important than anything else. President Truman said it best when he proclaimed, “The buck stops here.” That was the truth then and is now. There cannot be any joy coming out of this, but hopefully things will be better in the future for all of us.
