Paterno’s greatness, mistake will live on

We cannot discount at all the greatness of Joe Paterno and the Penn State football program. However, he made an error in judgment. He was told information that was jaded and unclear at best, but still the message delivered should have caused alarm and motivated him to go above the level of his superiors. He is at fault for not following through. I believe this is where Paterno failed. And he was not alone in his lack of judgment.

For example: If a child is on fire, do you run to a superior or call 911? Children were allegedly being hurt for years by assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, and something more should have been done at all levels - from Mike McQueary, Paterno, and the president of the university. None of these men (or anyone else who knew of the situation before the exposure) did their moral obligation as a teacher, coach, instructor, guardian.

The legacy of Joe Paterno as a coach and icon in American sports will be strong forever, but the error in judgment and lack of advocacy for the safety and protection of children trapped within the cold hands of abuse will result in a future that is undetermined and perilous.

Rob Dean

Cedar Rapids