Penn State Scandal: Police Say Joe Paterno Should Have Done More

Things have just gone from bad to worse in regards to Penn State head coach Joe Paterno and his claim to running as honorable program as he could have. 

Fox Sports reports a stinging accusation that may become more of a lasting mark on Joe Paterno's legacy than any win or title ever could. 

State police Commissioner Frank Noonan spoke with reporters on Monday and issued some very damning comments about Joe Paterno and other program officials that did the bare minimum in reporting alleged sexual abuse with minors. 

Former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky has been charged with sexually abusing eight boys over 15 years through his charity for at-risk youth. 

Paterno has not been indicted nor does he look likely to be charged for wrongdoing. However, he did the absolute minimum to thwart alleged crimes when he simply let University officials know of the allegations and failed to follow up with police. 

This is at the heart of what Noonan finds troubling. His statement has already been echoed by many fans who are shaking their heads at the travesty coming from Penn State. 

"

But somebody has to question about what I would consider the moral requirements for a human being that knows of sexual things that are taking place with a child.

I think you have the moral responsibility, anyone. Not whether you're a football coach or a university president or the guy sweeping the building. I think you have a moral responsibility to call us.

"

Paterno is free to walk because he did enough. He told top university officials of the allegations in 2002. He then wiped his hands of the whole mess.

Meanwhile, those officials, Vice President Gary Schultz and Athletic Director Tim Curley, failed to tell police authorities.

Now they are charged with perjury and failure to report to authorities that they knew about the allegations. What will become of Paterno is a guilty verdict in the court of public opinion. 

How he didn't follow up and make sure police knew of the alleged depravity is beyond me. Sure he told a couple of University officials, but the police should have been wither the first or second call he made. 

Failing to assure the police were involved may not make Paterno guilty, but it definitely makes him far less of a human being than I thought he was.