Penn State Scandal: Why Silence Is Joe Paterno's Only Defense

Joe Paterno remained silent for so long on the Jerry Sandusky issue that the only thing that he can do at this juncture is to continue to avoid speaking on it.

Is it right?

No.

Is it what will allow Paterno to step down with the most dignity and save as much face as possible after this incident rocked Happy Valley this week?

Probably.

Joe Pa had the power to get something done back in 2002 when he was without a doubt informed of Sandusky’s actions by Mike McQueary, but meekly forwarded it up the chain of command.

According to Gary Schultz’s (VP of Penn State) Grand Jury testimony, Paterno did state that the incident was “disturbing” and “inappropriate” in a meeting with Tim Curley (Penn State Athletic Director) who would technically be his superior.

However, everyone knows that in 2002, Happy Valley was Paterno’s kingdom and he could have easily got things dealt with had he had not been trying to protect his friend.

The two worked with one another for over 30 years at the time of the incident and were and are still presumably friends.

Paterno was put on the spot and did what many would do in this situation and tried to wash his hands of the incident as quickly and easily as possible so he would not have to think about or deal with the problem.

Is this right?

No.

But Paterno did exactly that and let the incident go unspoken to the public for almost a decade. What is the point of speaking out and railing against his friend who he has protected for so long?

It would just come off as hypocritical, pointless and far too late.

The Grand Jury report has everything anyone needs to know about this story for factual information and there are plenty of people with good opinions out there.

Joe Paterno should just silently step down and avoid sparking more controversy and problems by speaking on it.