Scottsdale Mama

As a mother – I am disgusted and enraged;

As a sports fan – I am disgusted and enraged;

As a lawyer – I am all that and hope that you rot.

Now my blogs usually explain the legal landscape of a particular case and what the public and the defendant can expect to happen. Rarely do I give my personal opinions; however, I am going to deviate with this one.

I understand that the world of sports, and especially college football, is very different from the reality that most of us live in. I understand it is all about the wins, the reputation and above all, about the money. But that is no excuse. As a human being there should be times that you rise above the petty and protect your fellow human being – ESPECIALLY WHEN THAT HUMAN BEING IS A CHILD! Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, should fail in comparison to the importance of protecting a child from being raped and abused. The men (if you can even call them that) at Penn State that allowed the horrible acts to take place (and continue to take place) should be ashamed of themselves and should rot somewhere that is dark, uncomfortable and cold. Yes, these are strong statements and maybe not politically correct but I do not care.

These men, other than Sandusky, did not do the act itself, and did not do the “first” act, but by their inactions they facilitated, encouraged and provided the means to continue the horrible abuses of the children. Yes, I am even talking about the much loved Joe Paterno. I don’t care what you have done in your professional life, how many games you have won and lost, how much money you have made, you failed to do everything you could to protect someone who needed your protection and to me that means that you failed. You say that you did not know the exact details…what more did you need to know? You had enough information to make the right call and you didn’t.

All of those involved failed, even the grad assistant that first reported it…why didn’t you follow up! You knew what you saw and you chose to only go so far – that is disappointing. Almost everyone who was involved and knew something was up consciously decided to not go to the police, or not stop it. For that you should be ashamed. Nothing is more important that the welfare of a child, especially one who had been raped, abused and fondled. You had better hope that Karma forgives you because the mothers and the victims never will.

If you want to know the timeline click here. All these men knew something was going on and did not stop it when they had the ability and the means to do so. Look at the timeline and see what these people did and did not do – you will see a common theme – they didn’t take it where it needed to go:

Ronald Shreffler, Lerry Lauro (investigator with the Pennsylvania Dept. of Public Welfare), Ray Gricar (a prosecutor), Thomas Harmon (campus security), Tim Curley (Penn State Athletic Director), Gary Schultz (Penn State VP), Dr. Jack Raykovitz (Executive Director of Second Mile), and Graham Spanier (University President) just to name some who KNEW something and failed to do anything outside of their own little reality to stop it. Oh sure, they may have banned Sandusky from this or that, but they could have and should have done more. Again, you should be ashamed of yourselves and yes, I am judging you.

As for you Penn State, Second Mile and the High School that was involved – get out your checkbook because there is no defense.