Jerry Sandusky Trial: Paterno Family Surprised to Find out They Might Testify

Earlier this week, the Jerry Sandusky defense team made waves by releasing a large list of potential witnesses for its case—one that included the names of Jay and Sue Paterno, the son (and former assistant coach) and wife of the late Joe Paterno.

From a strictly logical standpoint, it makes some sense, as Joe Paterno had testified to the grand jury in the Sandusky investigation, and he was briefly involved in the controversy in 2001 when he passed on a report of misdeeds from alleged witness Mike McQueary to Penn State officials.

Joe Paterno almost certainly would have been on the list of potential witnesses, so since he is unfortunately no longer with us, perhaps his wife and son might know something.

This, folks, is the moral arithmetic of putting together a defense in a large-scale sexual assault case. It's beyond uncomfortable.

At any rate, the news that Jay and Sue Paterno might be called on as defense witnesses evidently came as a shock to Jay and Sue Paterno. Here's the statement released by the family spokesperson, according to Sara Ganim of The Patriot News:

"

Over the last few days, numerous reporters have inquired about the news that Sue Paterno and Jay Paterno have been listed as possible witnesses in the upcoming trial of Jerry Sandusky. The Paternos had no advance notice of this development and have no idea if they will in fact be called to testify.

The family has also received repeated media requests for interviews. Out of respect for the legal process, it is the family's strong preference not to comment while the trial is underway. The only directive Joe Paterno gave to his family is that they should pursue the truth, while forcefully defending the honor and integrity of Penn State and the countless thousands of students, faculty, coaches and donors who have worked so hard over the years to build it into a world class institution. This is the course the family has carefully followed during this extraordinary process.

Accordingly, while the trial is under way, the Paterno family will not make any further public comment unless something exceptional and unexpected develops that necessitates a response.

"

That's the right stance to take. It doesn't behoove the Paterno family to take either side in this trial. Obviously they should cooperate, but ultimately, this situation isn't about them, and it demeans the legacy of Joe Paterno to call attention to themselves during it.

The Paternos, of course, know all that already.

But please, please do not make people see Sue Paterno have to be up on the stand, talking about her husband in an underage sexual assault trial. Don't do that to her or anybody else. We're begging.