Jerry Sandusky: Joe Pa's Plea of Ignorance Is a Sad Defense

When "Penn Staters" expected one of the bigger symbols in the history of Penn State Athletics to come to the table and admit what he knows about the Jerry Sandusky scandal, JoePa failed to do so.

These were the closing remarks of his statement on the incident according to NBC Sports:

“I understand that people are upset and angry, but let’s be fair and let the legal process unfold. In the meantime I would ask all Penn Staters to continue to trust in what that name represents, continue to pursue their lives every day with high ideals and not let these events shake their beliefs nor who they are.”

Sounds like an attempt at the most politically correct, empty statement of the century.

Paterno understands that the Penn Staters are upset and angry? Yet upon hearing the story for the first time he simply told athletic director Tim Curley of the situation and left it at that, and then failed to make the situation known to a higher authority outside of Penn State.

Doesn't sound like one who understands the angry, upset Penn Staters, as his failure to make the situation known is one of the big reasons why these very people are displeased today upon hearing of the allegations.

This is not in any way a question of what this guy can do on the field. Joe Pa is a veteran coach in college football that knows the game as well as anyone in the business. Yet his inability to prove loyalty to the fans and each person associated with the university is what absolutely comes to question.

Morally, Paterno failed to cater to those whom consider themselves "Penn Staters", as he claimed ignorance when he was informed of the news. Paterno also added:

"If true, the nature and amount of charges made are very shocking to me and all Penn Staters."

The charges would be shocking? It is statements like these that are apalling and are morally as questionable as any statement. If he was aware of what had happened, and told a higher authority at the university, then why would these charges ever be shocking?

One of the better coaches to ever make his presence in the game of college football will still continue on as head coach and continue to make his impact on the Penn State program, yet this incident proves his disloyalty and inability to put the Penn State community first.

Claiming ignorance was, in simplest of terms, a slap in the face to each individual who associates with Penn State and the athletics program. The fans and people associated with the university expected more than this.