Dateline Dayton — Until now I haven’t shared with you any comment on the Penn State-Joe Paterno situation.
First, even if former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky would be found not guilty, what he already has admitted doing is wrong. A man does not shower with younger boy, especially if he is not his son. You don’t touch anyone, except to give them a hug, with their clothes on. What was this man thinking? How could anything good come from putting yourself in a situation of this nature?
I am glad I don’t sit on the board of Mr. Sandusky’s charity, which has all the appearances of being an organization to supply him with boys to molest. How many on the board knew of his reputation? Why didn’t someone question his activities? It looks as though they may have hidden his activities, just as Penn State did.
These days we hear more about the evils in sport programs. It appears to me, and I am not a big fan, that it is football, basketball and other sports at any cost, even if children are being hurt. How wrong.
Now to Joe. Of course he should have done more. But many others should have, too. Why did the young assistant Mike McQueary,the individual, who witnessed the incident and reported it to the coach, not follow through, be certain police were notified? Why didn’t Paterno’s superiors follow up? Was this oversight done to protect the almighty football program? Probably. This is not the way to inspire leaders. Or is that even part of a sports program today? Winning at any cost, even to the extent of allowing a child to be harmed, possibly for life, is so wrong.
Yet I do feel sorry for Joe Paterno. Firing him was a harsh. Many may not agree with me, but he should have been able to finish the year.
Staying with football but changing the subject, Ohio State has just hired a new coach for a package reported to be worth $40 million over six years. In my humble opinion, that’s exorbitant. Guess who is paying?
For the Unhoused
Sunday on a popular television show lasting 60 minutes, there was a story about homeless children in Florida. They and their family were living in cars and trucks, with no safe place to park at night. Think of what that kind of money could do to help alleviate the problem. And we are spending it on a football coach for six years? Where are our priorities?
I realize money alone will not solve the homeless problem, but 40 million could provide for a safe place to park a vehicle and appropriate facilities. Think about this the next time you’re watching a football game in the comfort of your home.
Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net
