You can interchange "Penn State" with the "Catholic Church" in everything that is being said here, including the obvious potential for civil suits down the road. As I see it (please feel free to counter my perception), the only differences are that, 1) with PSU you have (hopefully) only one monster and at this time an unknown number of sexually abused boys, and 2) there is only one identifiable chain of command vs. the hundreds of parishes and dioceses involved in the geographically widespread Church scandal. Everything else is the same, including the heads in the sand at all levels of administration. In each case, there were choices at each level to not do the right thing (notify the police) because the publicity might taint the "good name" of the instititution. In each case, there apparently was a self-centered disregard for the well-being of the victims. In each case, the perpetrator(s) were allowed to remain part of the institutions, albeit in different roles. The Catholic Church has survived its scandal only because the overwheling majority of the clergy are decent and good people. In a sense, Penn State is similar, as is any reputable university in the country. I won't throw stones. I will surmise only that it's going to be a long and ugly road, but the institution and the football program ultimately will survive.
The question.....is Penn State as strong an institution as the Catholic Church? If it was just one Diocese would that Diocese survive?
This is a start by the students in the right direction, however small in the bigger picture: Students Pledge Support for Abuse Victims; Mother of Victim Talks to ABC I wonder if anyone in the media will dare ask the mother why she did not call the police when she found out. IMO, her inaction is as disgraceful as everyone else's.
Several things. First I expect this will haunt Penn State for a long time. I don't think they will shut down the program but I expect an extended down time. The death penalty is not even in play I don't believe. While it might be appropriate I doubt it is legal. However this incident might trigger some new safeguards. While I don't believe what JIF says about 75% and shutting down college sports. I do fear we may find out about other coverups that may be bad. As far as the mother, I am going to tread carefully. The emotion, fear and concern for her son could well have been factors in her making decisions that in hindsight might have been better. She has my sympathy. However Paterno and Penn State do not. Hopefully this whole situation will cause other people to evaluate similar situations better. Lot's of good thoughts on this topic about a terrible situation.
Joe's legacy takes another hit... From a WSJ article on Joe's clashes with the PSU admin over control of the disciplinary actions against players. Joe Thought He knew Best
:!: More charges against Sandusky. The latest are new allegations from children who are still under 18, so it's safe to say that he's still at it... http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/11/23/authorities-probe-2-new-abuse-allegations-against-sandusky-that-involve-current/