Will Jo-Pa be No-Pa within days? There are reports that the NCAA’s winningest football coach is on his way out in the wake of a sex scandal that is rocking Penn State University.
The New York Times is quoting two sources associated with the school’s top officials in reporting that Joe Paterno will end his tenure as the head football coach. The change is said to be expected shortly, perhaps even within days.
The longtime coach apparently was within the circle of those with knowledge of alleged sexual misconduct by Jerry Sandusky, a former defensive coordinator under Paterno. Sandusky has been charged in the sexual abuse of eight boys over a fifteen-year span, and one early account from an eye-witness was reported to Paterno. The coach may have fulfilled his legal obligation by turning over the report to school administrators, but he is being widely criticized for failing to exercise what is seen as a moral obligation to involve the police in a 2002 assault allegation.
Penn State’s board of trustees is said to be determining the timing of Paterno’s exit, but it is increasingly clear that the 84-year old will not return to coach another season.
Two officials are also incriminated: Gary Schultz, the senior vice president for finance and business, and Tim Curley, the athletic director — have been charged with perjury and failure to report to authorities what they knew of the allegations, as required by state law.
Although the remainder of the country has not been privy to the sordid allegations, Pennsylvania newspapers and others have been calling for blood after details of the allegations became known. Sandusky was arrested on Saturday and the criticism of Penn State officials has exploded in a mixture of disgust, disbelief, and concern that the earlier inaction may have led to the abuse of other children.
