Penn State Report Summary: Everyone Pretending They Didn't Know Actually Knew
If you don't have time to review the full 267-page internal investigation of the Penn State scandal, here's the gist: Everyone knew. Former Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno knew. Former Penn State University president Graham Spanier knew. Former Penn State University vice president Gary Schultz knew. Penn State Athletic Director (currently on leave) Tim Curley knew. Everyone knew. As far back as 1998, when they learned of a criminal investigation of Sandusky related to an instance of suspected sexual misconduct with a boy in a PSU football locker room shower.
Here's a paragraph from investigator Louis Freeh's remarks sent out alongside his report that damns "the most powerful leaders at Penn State University" quite succinctly:
"Taking into account the available witness statements and evidence, it is more reasonable to conclude that, in order to avoid the consequences of bad publicity, the most powerful leaders at Penn State University – Messrs. Spanier, Schultz, Paterno andC urley – repeatedly concealed critical facts relating to Sandusky's child abuse from the authorities, the Board of Trustees, Penn State community, and the public at large. Although concern to treat the child abuser humanely was expressly stated, no such sentiments were ever expressed by them for Sandusky's victims."
Penn State's Board of Trustees has released a statement promising to review their policies on reporting misconduct.
"We expect a comprehensive analysis of our policies, procedures and controls related to identifying and reporting crimes and misconduct, including failures or gaps that may have allowed alleged misconduct to go undetected or unreported. We will provide our initial response later today."
Jerry Sandsuky was convicted of dozens of counts of child sexual abuse in a trial in June. He is expected to serve a life sentence.
Related on Deadspin:
Joe Paterno Gave Jerry Sandusky The Option To Keep Coaching "As Long As He Was The Coach"
[CNN // Image via AP]