When I first heard about the Penn State scandal, I wasn’t too intrigued. The story was sickening and disgusting. It reminded how people can put on a facade to reach a position of power and then abuse their standing by preying on those who are helpless and vulnerable. At that time, I hated hearing stories like this so I didn’t do any research. I would hear people talking about it and that was it. I kept in out of my mind and I in a way I was in my own state of denial.
When I got to college, I discovered ESPN’s 30 for 30’s and I was hooked to sports documentaries from that point on. About 3 years ago I watched “Happy Valley,” a documentary covering the Sandusky scandal. This was when I was able to get all the details and really learn about what happened. I felt justice was served in terms of Sandusky, but I still to this day remain on the fence about the decision to let go of Coach Paterno.
Looking back on it now, I was most surprise about how many people chose to ignore it. There are allegations stemming from as far back as 1998, but the Penn State scandal didn’t arise until 2011. And even then, he was allowed to continue running his 2nd Mile program and stay around little boys.
In the second article, I was surprised that some parents never reported the abuse to the police because they thought they were protecting their sons. But in actuality, they were aiding Sandusky and allowing him to continue his heinous crimes.
And one of the most shocking facts, was that Sandusky’s adopted son, Matt fought to stay with the Sandusky family when through the abuse. Its even more shocking that Matt’s suicide attempt and abused was published for everyone to see. Even though Sandusky is portrayed as the monster, I’m sure Matt was very embarrassed and ashamed.