Goal, your wife is an educator, not you. I’m sure your wife told you that going to the nurse first is optional. The principal is in charge of the school and as such, can let the faculty know that he/she is the first to know – no exceptions. Too, I have taken the emotional aspects away from the argument and looking at it from a strictly legal point of view. The Freeh Report is not a legally binding document. It is a report that was sanctioned by NCAA/PSU and no one else. I’m simply letting everyone in this forum know that the state and federal actions could be far different than what we currently see. One more point. Are you suggesting that a teacher is not following a moral code by going to the principal first – and in quick fashion? Really?
Lanky, you quoted a guideline, not a specific set of rules. Why? State laws. State laws and statutes are different in each state and the NCAA would lose on that technicality in any courtroom – in quick fashion too. It is not legally binding and the NCAA knows it. Since the NCAA is based in Indiana, they could legally bind institutions in that state I suppose. However, it is a moot point – PSU accepted the penalties. Lanky, please don’t suggest that I, at any point in this conversation, said that procedures at any institution will lead to fourteen years of abuse. Seriously. No one in this thread would even go in that direction with me. Do you really think I am one who thinks this way???
Ax, just read the same points I made with Mike. Do you really believe that policies and procedures are absurd? They are in place to protect the children and their interests. Those rules were not followed at PSU. If they did, the only focus would’ve been on Sandusky and the heinous crimes that he committed.
Tshile, I challenge you to find where I have said that my job is more important than reporting the crime. It is being reported via the rules that are set in place – if I follow them. Do you really think I am that kind of a person??? Do you? Too, please don’t quote me out of context to suggest that I have no problems with child abuse. Furthermore, I have not defined my “set of morals” and if you feel the need to define them for me here, then please know that I will not extend you the same “courtesy”. Again, all I’m doing is sharing with everyone what is expected of a teacher/coach when confronted with such a heinous crime. Just think if schools and academic institutions had NO policies and procedures in place. That would be tragic.
Again, I understand that this is an emotional issue. The state and federal investigators know that they have a very angry mob out there, but the emotional aspects of their investigation must be filtered out as they endeavor to bring additional justice to those who truly deserve it. Their job is not an easy task under the circumstances. We’ll see what happens.
Finally, I have my own feelings about Coach Paterno and may share them some day. In previous entries in this thread, the focus I put on him came from a legal point of view only and from the perspective of former/current players. Sure, he may never be exonerated by some or many in the public realm – much like we see here. It is your right to have such an opinion.
What saddens me about this debate is that some of you seem to think that I am ok with what happened. Seriously. As a former teacher and coach, it appalls me to see abuse like this and in other forms. I’ll always be an advocate of the children and a firm supporter of the rules and policies that are in place. When utilized correctly, they work in the best interests of the children.
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