JP, or anyone in a similar position should certainly know better and I'd have to say, he should absolutely be held accountable IMO. Don't believe he actually witnessed the crime though. Since he apparently became aware of the crime and failed to notify law enforcement, just like anyone else who had knowledge of the allegations, he's on the hook. Since he apparently admitted his own huge "mistake" (I didn't hear his admission personally) which could very possibly implicate him criminally as well, I'm not sure what he can say to preserve his dignity or cover his rear...or escape more serious repercussions than retirement.
From what I understand, he didn't "squeal" to the proper authorities so I have no idea how much consideration he might receive in any criminal prosecution. Less punishment than who / what? The perpetrator? Yes, I suppose so. Who knows...maybe he'll avoid any real or significant punishment...like your typical professional athlete or celebrity often does in America.He can tell the truth....... his rear might be less punishment or jail time. Isn't that how it works? The first to squeal has a good meal.
From what I understand, he didn't "squeal" to the proper authorities so I have no idea how much consideration he might receive in any criminal prosecution. Less punishment than who / what? The perpetrator? Yes, I suppose so. Who knows...maybe he'll avoid any real or significant punishment...like your typical professional athlete or celebrity often does in America.
Then there are the civil liability issues.
Edit: He kinda missed his opportunity to tell the truth at the point in time when he should have.
Truth is stranger than fiction. Lots of that in the justice system. When your back is up against the wall, well you know. At 86 though, would he be up for all the crap he'll have to endure. Let's make a deal.
Anyone commenting on the case without having read the grand jury report should do the basics (something all of the Penn State principals are now wishing they had done) and read the report. It is only 23 pages.It is pretty grisly stuff and no one involved, including the football coach, the AD, and the university president comes off looking good.Civil liability and criminal culpability be danged. They all had a personal human moral responsibility. I read somewhere today that if it had been JoePa's grandson in the shower do you think he would have failed to follow up?
Sorry for the inconvenience while we were closed for renovations. Now open for business.![]()
Had a chance to read some CA papers this weekend as some of the sports editors really hammered JoePa, PSU and US college sports in general. Yet only two reporters brought up as a reminder what happened to Theo Fleury and others.
Not sure what CA statistics are but in the US for approx every 10,000 in population there are 24 registered pedophiles. I would guess similar stats in CA but not sure. Imagine how many unregistered, meaning not caught there are. If you don't think things like this are happening in and around your local organizations you are fooling yourself.
Unfortunately it takes something like this to happen before people will talk or do anything about it. Hopefully, steps will be taken at all schools to help curb all types of abuse. As you say, it's there; the problem is people are too afraid of the consequences that squealing might bring. You have to stand up to protect others, not just yourself.
I was in the US this past weekend, and listened to various great interviews on various radio programs during my travels. This included interviews with the governer of PA and PSU alum Franco Harris, both of whom are clearly on the page of due process to get all the facts on the table and then make the required changes in policies and procedures to safeguard against this stuff.
The real problem is that to the victims, the perpetrator's power is all too real, not just perceived. Children are raised to trust those in the roles of teachers, coaches, activity leaders, clergy, and worst of all, family members, so that they often don't recognize the beginnings of abuse until too late. The ideal would be if the children could detect and avoid potential situations of abuse before they happen. While improvements in the process of reporting abuse help to avoid future cases, it still means that a child has already been hurt.Often times it is people in positions of "perceived" power that get away with it. It takes guts and courage for victims to report your superiors inappropriate behaviour to their superiors or the authorities.
Honorary Board of Directors sounds like a case of Harris allowing his name to be used in association with a charitable cause. I don't think that amount of involvement indicates that he would likely have had knowledge of criminal activity involving Sandusky. All types of people commit all sorts of crimes without everyone that they meet along the way becoming aware of their activities.Above link is to a list of those on the Honorary Board of Directors of Sandusky's charity, where you find none other than Franco Harris. ... Not so sure these are the types I would trust to get the facts ON the table.
The real problem is that to the victims, the perpetrator's power is all too real, not just perceived. Children are raised to trust those in the roles of teachers, coaches, activity leaders, clergy, and worst of all, family members, so that they often don't recognize the beginnings of abuse until too late. The ideal would be if the children could detect and avoid potential situations of abuse before they happen. While improvements in the process of reporting abuse help to avoid future cases, it still means that a child has already been hurt.
Honorary Board of Directors sounds like a case of Harris allowing his name to be used in association with a charitable cause. I don't think that amount of involvement indicates that he would likely have had knowledge of criminal activity involving Sandusky. All types of people commit all sorts of crimes without everyone that they meet along the way becoming aware of their activities.
The real problem is that to the victims, the perpetrator's power is all too real, not just perceived. Children are raised to trust those in the roles of teachers, coaches, activity leaders, clergy, and worst of all, family members, so that they often don't recognize the beginnings of abuse until too late. The ideal would be if the children could detect and avoid potential situations of abuse before they happen. While improvements in the process of reporting abuse help to avoid future cases, it still means that a child has already been hurt.
Many of the children came from broken homes and whatnot. They were problem kids that never really had a chance. He preyed upon their weakness.
Stunned that he did a national interview. Understand of course him denying everything but just didn't get why interview. Some of his answers were just creepy.
100% agree with that. It's people like Fleury and Kennedy who shed the light on some of the the stuff that goes on in minor hockey. Often times it is people in positions of "perceived" power that get away with it. It takes guts and courage for victims to report your superiors inappropriate behaviour to their superiors or the authorities. It was really encouraging to see the support for the victims during the game Saturday, and it takes something likes this on a grand scale to bring about change for the better.
I was in the US this past weekend, and listened to various great interviews on various radio programs during my travels. This included interviews with the governer of PA and PSU alum Franco Harris, both of whom are clearly on the page of due process to get all the facts on the table and then make the required changes in policies and procedures to safeguard against this stuff.