Buckeye Blogger NetworkIt’s not often that I show my negative opinions publicly but this commentary has given me a great opportunity to get things off my chest so to speak. Remember that my opinion is not necessarily that of tBBC and should only be considered as my opinion. Here it goes, with both barrels.
I already said my piece in regards to how PSU fans were reacting to the Sandusky news and how people were attacking the university. They are not one and the same. Since I went on vacation we have found out that said university did play a major role in covering up his actions and that includes Joe Paterno. Here is my belief in the matter. The only way they will be able to start over or continue forward is to cut all ties with the situation. Does that include tearing down the statue that was erected in honor of a great coach? Yes it does because it will be a constant reminder of the part of him that wasn’t great. The statue must go for the betterment of everyone to be able to move forward.
Must come down to move forward
Does it also mean that the NCAA needs to step in and do something? Yes, if the answer is that they gained success in the football program by not reporting Sandusky as soon as someone knew. Imagine how long it’s going to take for the entire university to recover from this. Now, think about it before all of the victims were subjected to the horror they were? If they stopped it then, there may have been minimal damage to the program because they came forward and stopped a predator. Maybe would have been considered heroes for what they did had they taken care of business. Now, look at it from a pure football perspective. They gained recruits and success in their football program by not reporting a crime that was happening. That in itself, has to be considered a major violation just in the reason behind why they did cover it up. To preserve the football program and protect the university. Now, all of these years later there is a chance the university and its programs will not survive this at all. I feel for the victims and hope that the university does the right thing and helps to give them closure for what they have endured. Read More
This morning, the report from the independent investigation into the culture at Penn State University was released by the committee led by former FBI director Louis Freeh
The investigation, commissioned by the PSU Board of Trusteees sought to examine the circumstances which led to the instances of child abuse that former coach Jerry Sandusky has been found responsible for. Those instances, as you may remember, happened during his tenure as PSU assistant coach and also in some of the PSU facilities following his resignation.
Among the concerns following the initial investigation into Sandusky’s actions were how much of these situations were known to PSU staff, and how reports of child abuse were handled by football administration and others at the university. Over the past few weeks, it has become apparent that the report and investigation by Freeh’s group would focus also on on the campus climate and culture surrounding the University’s football program; for instance, recent articles have indicated that there may have been a disconnect between the University’s protocols for student accountability and how violations by members of the football program were handled.
Many were concerned that today’s report would either “blow the lid off” the legacy of former head coach Joe Paterno, or would unfairly tarnish the work that he accomplished over his tenure. There are also concerns that the NCAA may examine the findings of the Freeh report for possible lack of institutional control. This would be in addition to the Pennsylvania State Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Education, and the FBI being invested in the findings of this investigation, particularly for former president Spanier, former VP Schultz and former AD Curley
In addition to looking at the foundations for any problems that may exist, the comissioned report makes some recommendations for how the athletic department and the University might move forward from the tragic past few months.
The full report can be read at TheFreehReportOnPSU.com and is available in it’s entirety here as well. Judge Freeh will be hosting a press conference later this morning to answer concerns and questions about both the group’s process, findings, and recommendations.
We’ll be bringing you further commentary and reflection on the Freeh report as the week progresses, but here are some initial observations.
Four of the most powerful people at The Pennsylvania State University… failed to protect against a child sexual predator harming children for over a decade. These men concealed Sandusky’s activities from the Board of Trustees, the University community and authorities. Read More
May be vacation, but feels like home
Salutations from our nation’s 48th state, where I currently find myself vacating on the same road that I live by several hours to the west. Yup, this is as close to Rich Rod as I’ll ever get… probably for the best. Knowing that we were headed this way the wife let me plan our trip around two sacred OSU sites, although she did boycott one of my musical selections for the journey. Ah, well… at least she let me watch the 2002 game on the BTN this evening.
Buckeye 411
This “update” seems to be merely a reflection of Coach Meyer’s decisions regarding Klein’s actions, and there may not be any more to read into it. Again, Urban stated at the end of spring practice that the chart would be set- fall camp was about preparation and not position battles.
This isn't about the logo on his shirt, but about the nature of his actions as an individual.
I’m headed south on vacation with the family and just wanted to try something new before I disappear for a couple of weeks. There’s a lot going on in the sports world with the Olympic trials and the NBA draft just recently concluding. I’ve got some things to cover but I promise I will be quick!
How about we start with my rant first so I can get it out of the way? The recent news coming out of State College, PA has me mesmerized. Not so much that the info has come to light as much as how their fans are responding. I spent the better part of the day reading about fans who are taking this personally. They think the world is out to get PSU. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I tweeted in response to a friend that most of the people defending the University lack the basic human quality of compassion for these victims. Plain and simple, that is what all of the fuss is about.
I want you to imagine for just a brief moment that you are one of the victims and they are telling you that those involved didn’t believe you deserved to be protected. Not to mention the fact they are now basically saying the victims didn’t deserve justice. That is what all of the information is doing to these victims, and those who defend the university that covered it up lack any compassion for anything human.
SBP gets the ol’ bumperino this week to accommodate life. It happens, right?
Ooooh! Shiny!
Buckeye 411
Smith said multiple offenses by individual teams is a concern of his, especially if the violations committed are in relation to recruiting.
Smith was cited for breaking NCAA recruiting policy despite his distaste for recruiting infractions in particular.
“I intend to retire here as a Buckeye. You can never say never that you won’t do something else, but as far as athletic director or athletic administration, this is my last stop.”
I’m sure there are alumni and fans who have an opinion regarding that timeline.
Weekly updates and miscellany from around the world of college sports…
Urban Meyer's Secret Identity?
Buckeye 411
“To be able to lead, you have to serve first,” Posey said. “I feel like being on scout team, helping the younger guys and being in the meeting room and telling them the little tips that I have allowed me to understand the game more and it humbled me as well. That’s what I needed going into this process and going to the next level. Through this process, everything you hear is what you can’t do and everyone’s tearing you down. Going through the draft, you’re going to hear a lot of negative things and then, when you get into camp as well, you have to be humble as well. You have to serve the team and show them you can play. I felt like I learned all those lessons this past year.”
“Every day at practice was a challenge, so I definitely think that will pay dividends,” Brewster said of Ohio State. “It really comes in the preparation the last couple weeks and really, four years of college. Now, it’s just show time and it’s time to go out there and do it. Anytime you get a chance to go against the best, you want to measure yourself.”
Paterno
Note- This was initially published on Saturday the 21st, based on the Associated Press report. We deeply regret the error.
Earlier today, former Penn State coach Joseph Vincent Paterno passed away after complications from a battle with cancer. He was 85 years old.
Paterno, who had been a part of the Penn State Football program since 1950, served as its head coach for 62 seasons beginning in 1966. During that time, the Nittany Lions amassed 38 winning seasons and an overall record of 409-136-3. His teams were awarded two national titles and finished their season undefeated on four occasions. He has the most wins of any coach in NCAA Division 1 history.
After joining the Big Ten conference in 1993, the Paterno led Lions won or shared three conference titles and had a 95-54 record under Paterno. He was awarded numerous National “Coach of the Year” or “Sportsman of the Year” accolades during his career.
While PSU Alumni and fans pride themselves in being able to say “We Are- Penn State”, this was never more true than for Joe Pa. Paterno was the face of the University and the program; from his signature tie and dark framed glasses to the team’s “no frills” workmanlike uniforms, his legacy lives on well beyond Xs and Os. His fundraising and philanthropic work have created a lasting foundation for many in Happy Valley and throughout Pennsylvania.
While the revelations of the past several months will certainly mar some memories of Coach Paterno’s legacy, it cannot go without acknowledgement the impact that his leadership has had on college football and college athletics
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and those close to him at PSU and across the B1G and college football. Godspeed.
Update: Coach Meyer has released the following statement-
“I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Coach Joe Paterno. He was a man who I have deep respect for as a human being, as a husband and father, as a leader and as a football coach. I was very fortunate to have been able to develop a personal relationship with him, especially over the course of the last several years, and it is something that I will always cherish.
“My prayers and thoughts go out to his wife, Sue, and to their family, and also to the family he had at Penn State University. We have lost a remarkable person and someone who affected the lives of so many people in so many positive ways. His presence will be dearly missed. His legacy as a coach, as a winner and as a champion will carry on forever.”
Today, our long time friend Mike Pettigano from Black Shoe Diaries swings by the clubhouse to give us insight on the Penn State season as well as some of his thoughts about what might be next for the Nittany Lions. We also talk about fair media coverage… and agree that it’s not happening. Mike was the one that brought PSU’s efforts with RAINN to our attention… worth your time to get involved.
Penn State spent a good portion of the early part of the season struggling to find an offensive identity. Has the coaching staff worked out some of the kinks, or is the PSU offense still a work in progress?
MMMMMMMoxieeeee!!!
The offense suffered a pretty big hit this past week losing Mike McQueary’s services on the sideline. He was the guy running the show, calling in the plays, substitutions, personnel packages. Granted, the reasons for his absence dwarf the problems on the field last week. But it’s the football-related answer to your question. Silas Redd has become the offense since late September, but he suffered a minor shoulder injury this week that kept him out of practice so far. He should be ready to go for the game this weekend, as he’s the most physically well-conditioned player I’ve seen in a long time. The guy was averaging 28 carries over three weeks in October, yet still churned out 100-yard games like it was nothing. However, Redd hasn’t been able to win games on his own. The quarterbacks have to be at least functional. And whatever the view on Matt McGloin may be, he’s the starting quarterback now. As long as McGloin avoids stupid mistakes, he can be a decent game-manager. That’s all Penn State needs in a quarterback, but hasn’t gotten much of it against decent opponents this season.
Whispers are that Silas Redd may not be healthy enough to play on Saturday, and it was announced that McGloin will be the starter (rather than sharing time with Bolden) – How does that impact the Lion Offense against Ohio State? Read More
