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Paternos to conduct own investigation

  • Statement issued by the Paterno family this morning:

    "Following the release of the grand jury findings last fall, Joe Paterno called for a thorough, fair and transparent investigation. Like everyone else, Joe was stunned at the charges that were filed against Jerry Sandusky. At the same time, Joe cautioned against a rush to judgment on Penn State and its senior officials and reminded everyone that we owed it to the victims to uncover the full truth.

    "The announcement of the findings by the Freeh Group is yet another shocking turn of events in this crisis. We are dismayed by, and vehemently disagree with, some of the conclusions and assertions and the process by which they were developed. Mr. Freeh presented his opinions and interpretations as if they were absolute facts. We believe numerous issues in the report, and his commentary, bear further review.

    "Our interest has been and remains the uncovering of the truth. We have never tried to run from this crisis or shift all responsibility to others. To help prevent this sort of tragedy from happening again at Penn State or any other institution, it is imperative that the full story be told.

    "After the report was released, we instructed our attorneys and their experts to conduct a comprehensive review of the materials released by the Freeh Group as well as Mr. Freeh's presentation and press conference. We have also asked them to go beyond the report and identify additional information that should be analyzed. And we have asked the Freeh Group to preserve all records, notes and other materials related to the investigation and the presentation of their findings as we expect they will be the subject of great interest in the future.

    "To those who are convinced that the Freeh report is the last word on this matter, that is absolutely not the case. Since various investigations and legal cases are still pending, it is highly likely that additional critical information will emerge.

    "With that said, we want to take this opportunity to reiterate that Joe Paterno did not shield Jerry Sandusky from any investigation or review. The 1998 incident was fully and independently investigated by law enforcement officials. The Freeh report confirms this. It is also a matter of record that Joe Paterno promptly and fully reported the 2001 incident to his superiors. It can certainly be asserted that Joe Paterno could have done more. He acknowledged this himself last fall. But to claim that he knowingly, intentionally protected a pedophile is false.

    "The process of reviewing the report and other relevant information is going to be a complicated and time consuming exercise. It took the Freeh Group roughly seven months to conduct more than 400 interviews and review three million documents. We do not expect or intend to duplicate this effort but we are going to be as thorough as reasonably possible. In the meantime, our attorneys have asked that we not make any further comment on this matter until they are ready to provide an update on their progress."

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    Follow me on Twitter @jeffrice247 jrice@247sports.com

    Jeff Rice ●

  • OMG, this pissing contest just needs to stop. What's done is done. The following emoticon describes my feelings about this. deadhorse

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    PSUjosh11

  • PSUjosh11 said...

    OMG, this pissing contest just needs to stop. What's done is done. The following emoticon describes my feelings about this. deadhorse

    I posted this in the "Honestly" thread, but I am guessing this one will outlast that one, as it was posted by Jeff and they cover the same subject. I wrote:

    I agree with them that the report is full of conjecture and states speculation as fact. Not only is Joe's legacy enormously impacted, but his estate could be held liable for huge amounts of money. The masses have decided that, based on the report, he was fully complicit in covering up for a pedophile. You don't think they have very valid reasons for wanting to investigate this fully and change the dialog?

    DocAlan02

  • If they follow through with this, one must hope there is testimony which will exonerate Joe to a large degree. Failing that, this will only prolong the controversy in the media and continue to drag the university and its alums through the mud of public opinion and tabloid journalism.

    Solo

  • DocAlan02 said...

    I posted this in the "Honestly" thread, but I am guessing this one will outlast that one, as it was posted by Jeff and they cover the same subject. I wrote:

    I agree with them that the report is full of conjecture and states speculation as fact. Not only is Joe's legacy enormously impacted, but his estate could be held liable for huge amounts of money. The masses have decided that, based on the report, he was fully complicit in covering up for a pedophile. You don't think they have very valid reasons for wanting to investigate this fully and change the dialog?

    His estate will not be held liable. The majority of his estate is most likely in protected trusts. Also, PSU will most likely settle with the victims globally on behalf of its Administrators, which elminiates the victims' abilities to sue each specifically.

    This is clearly about image and reputation with the Paterno's.

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    tdiddy ●

  • Solo said...

    If they follow through with this, one must hope there is testimony which will exonerate Joe to a large degree. Failing that, this will only prolong the controversy in the media and continue to drag the university and its alums through the mud of public opinion and tabloid journalism.

    I'm starting to see that hope slowly fade away. I get they are upset that Joe was focal point of the witch hunt, but I'm not thinking some magic bullet is out there. Like many they are having a hard time coming to grips with Joe's legacy basically being killed in front of everyone. I'm not sure they can win or should even fight that battle, but he wasn't my husband or father..so I can see why they may try to.

    "One man didn't build this program and one man sure as hell cannot tear it down."

    LaJollaLion

  • I think all anyone needs to do is ask the Paterno's why Sandusky was allowed on campus after 2001? He has been reported to have had an office next to Joe's, been on the sidelines numerous times (with kids), and in the NLC box repeatedly after 2001. I would like to hear why this was allowed. This has been my problem since this story broke. Regardless of the 1998 and 2001 incidents, which have been extensively covered.

    drken22

  • Is Wick Sollers conducting the investigation, or are the Paternos hiring some other lawyers or law firm to conduct the investigation?

    Cambria Nittany ●

  • And if the findings of investigation don't "vindicate" Joe are they going to release it, or have someone else conduct an investigation until they see the answers they want.

    I can't imagine how hard it is to see your own family ripped apart brick by brick and finding out at the same time as millions of others that he ignored a child predator for years for his own personal gain. But at some point you need to just let go.

    FireJayPa

  • drken22 said...

    I think all anyone needs to do is ask the Paterno's why Sandusky was allowed on campus after 2001? He has been reported to have had an office next to Joe's, been on the sidelines numerous times (with kids), and in the NLC box repeatedly after 2001. I would like to hear why this was allowed. This has been my problem since this story broke. Regardless of the 1998 and 2001 incidents, which have been extensively covered.

    This answer isn't very satisfying to many people, but I think the answer at the end of the day is that Joe simply didn't believe Sandusky was a predator. A bit of a weirdo perhaps, but nothing that couldn't be "fixed" with a talk and counseling.

    I know Joe's interview with the Washington Post has now been torn apart after he disclaimed any knowledge of the 1998 incident, but I actually still take his comment at face value that the notion of a man raping a boy was inconceivable. He comes from the generation where this sort of stuff was never spoken about or seen, and if a man was caught doing what Jerry did, he would be so socially ashamed he would never do it again. I don't think Joe realized or understood that Jerry was a hardened predator and that those people don't play by the same rules of society.

    For anyone that listens to the college sports station on Sirius/XM, Kyle Brady had some good comments along these lines last week.

    Cambria Nittany ●

  • FireJayPa said...

    And if the findings of investigation don't "vindicate" Joe are they going to release it, or have someone else conduct an investigation until they see the answers they want.

    I can't imagine how hard it is to see your own family ripped apart brick by brick and finding out at the same time as millions of others that he ignored a child predator for years for his own personal gain. But at some point you need to just let go.

    Freeh will tell you what ya want for just 12 mil and I hear he's available now Hahaha

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    If you havent signed up for premium 247 yet..take my word for it...its worth it!

    Seltz

  • Seltz said...

    Freeh will tell you what ya want for just 12 mil and I hear he's available now Hahaha

    Not available now. He is on to Bounty Gate for Benson and the Saints which is hysterical to me. I'll get to hear more months of Freeh's expert factual investigating. I'm going out on a limb here, but I think he finds evidence that defensive players for the Saints had a pay for play program.

    What a gig this guy has. He is a PR firm that washes up big scandals where the criminals are already known.

    "One man didn't build this program and one man sure as hell cannot tear it down."

    LaJollaLion

  • Cambria Nittany said...

    This answer isn't very satisfying to many people, but I think the answer at the end of the day is that Joe simply didn't believe Sandusky was a predator. A bit of a weirdo perhaps, but nothing that couldn't be "fixed" with a talk and counseling.

    I know Joe's interview with the Washington Post has now been torn apart after he disclaimed any knowledge of the 1998 incident, but I actually still take his comment at face value that the notion of a man raping a boy was inconceivable. He comes from the generation where this sort of stuff was never spoken about or seen, and if a man was caught doing what Jerry did, he would be so socially ashamed he would never do it again. I don't think Joe realized or understood that Jerry was a hardened predator and that those people don't play by the same rules of society.

    For anyone that listens to the college sports station on Sirius/XM, Kyle Brady had some good comments along these lines last week.

    I'm sorry that's bs. He knows of one investigation, has a trusted person come to him and tell him of something sexual in nature and as joe said clearly was shaken by what he saw, and he just thinks he's a weirdo? That makes Joe an idiot or just in absolute denial. Then again had he bothered to find out he would have known.

    Try to fathom the hypocrisy of a Government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured .but not prove they're a citizen

    sneakypete ●

  • Cambria Nittany said...

    This answer isn't very satisfying to many people, but I think the answer at the end of the day is that Joe simply didn't believe Sandusky was a predator. A bit of a weirdo perhaps, but nothing that couldn't be "fixed" with a talk and counseling.

    I know Joe's interview with the Washington Post has now been torn apart after he disclaimed any knowledge of the 1998 incident, but I actually still take his comment at face value that the notion of a man raping a boy was inconceivable. He comes from the generation where this sort of stuff was never spoken about or seen, and if a man was caught doing what Jerry did, he would be so socially ashamed he would never do it again. I don't think Joe realized or understood that Jerry was a hardened predator and that those people don't play by the same rules of society.

    For anyone that listens to the college sports station on Sirius/XM, Kyle Brady had some good comments along these lines last week.

    How do you know it could be fixed or not with a talk and counseling? It's like saying someone chooses to be gay vs. being born that way...could be the same way with pedophiles...we don't know. Look, Jerry was told on numerous occasions about what was going on and what not to do, help was offered, and he still resorted to doing what he did. He may be uncurable, some people can't be cured of illness, addiction, etc...even with help.

    This post was edited by chezhoy on 7/16/2012 at 12:21 PM

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    chezhoy

  • sneakypete said...

    That makes Joe an idiot or just in absolute denial. Then again had he bothered to find out he would have known.

    That is why I said this proves Joe should've retired after the 1994 undefeated season. Joe was on autopilot in his role as head football coach for life and fundraiser-in-chief.

    Regarding the Paterno family investigation, call me cynical, but I think part of the reason Jay and family are commissioning a rebuttal to the Freeh report is that the good "Paterno name" was going to be Jay's meal ticket. If the name is tarnished, he has a lot smaller audience for his columns, books, and speeches, and will have a harder time if and when he runs for office, than he was going to have before the Freeh report.

    This post was edited by Cambria Nittany on 7/16/2012 at 12:43 PM

    Cambria Nittany ●

  • Cambria Nittany said...

    That is why I said this proves Joe should've retired after the 1994 undefeated season. Joe was on autopilot in his role as head football coach for life and fundraiser-in-chief.

    Regarding the Paterno family investigation, call me cynical, but I think part of the reason Jay and family are commissioning a rebuttal to the Freeh report is that the good "Paterno name" was going to be Jay's meal ticket. If the name is tarnished, he has a lot smaller audience for his columns, books, and speeches, and will have a harder time if and when he runs for office, than he was going to have before the Freeh report.

    Don't think Jay needs a meal ticket and highly doubt he is worried about money.

    PSU_21

  • Cambria Nittany said...

    That is why I said this proves Joe should've retired after the 1994 undefeated season. Joe was on autopilot in his role as head football coach for life and fundraiser-in-chief.

    Regarding the Paterno family investigation, call me cynical, but I think part of the reason Jay and family are commissioning a rebuttal to the Freeh report is that the good "Paterno name" was going to be Jay's meal ticket. If the name is tarnished, he has a lot smaller audience for his columns, books, and speeches, and will have a harder time if and when he runs for office, than he was going to have before the Freeh report.

    That's a great point about Jay.

    Try to fathom the hypocrisy of a Government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured .but not prove they're a citizen

    sneakypete ●

  • Cambria Nittany said...

    That is why I said this proves Joe should've retired after the 1994 undefeated season. Joe was on autopilot in his role as head football coach for life and fundraiser-in-chief.

    Regarding the Paterno family investigation, call me cynical, but I think part of the reason Jay and family are commissioning a rebuttal to the Freeh report is that the good "Paterno name" was going to be Jay's meal ticket. If the name is tarnished, he has a lot smaller audience for his columns, books, and speeches, and will have a harder time if and when he runs for office, than he was going to have before the Freeh report.

    Don't you think it may be Jay and his family are simply upset and a bit confused right now? I don't think money is the motive with Jay or the Paterno's right now. I think last week threw them for a loop as well.

    "One man didn't build this program and one man sure as hell cannot tear it down."

    LaJollaLion

  • PSU_21 said...

    Don't think Jay needs a meal ticket and highly doubt he is worried about money.

    But he does hang his hat on his old man's name.

    Without the last name, he has nothing. Even with the name he still needed his father's influence in many arena. JMU and UVA for instance.

    FireJayPa

  • Has anyone been in the box at PSU football games when Sandusky was there? I have been in NLC box once and didn't see him.

    drken22

  • LaJollaLion said...

    Don't you think it may be Jay and his family are simply upset and a bit confused right now? I don't think money is the motive with Jay or the Paterno's right now. I think last week threw them for a loop as well.

    I said that I believed money was "part of the reason" they are commissioning a rebuttal report. I don't disagree, and never have disagreed, that Jay and his family are upset and confused by the Freeh findings and want their own independent findings for their own closure and the honor of their family name.

    This post was edited by Cambria Nittany on 7/16/2012 at 2:42 PM

    Cambria Nittany ●

  • "..., and his commentary, bear further review."

    This sounds to me like they may be possibly looking at a slander lawsuit against Freeh.

    NevadaNittany

  • drken22 said...

    Has anyone been in the box at PSU football games when Sandusky was there? I have been in NLC box once and didn't see him.

    I sat in NLC club section once and didnt notice him. However, I surely wasnt looking for him either...I was pretty toasted.

    NevadaNittany

  • LaJollaLion said...

    I'm starting to see that hope slowly fade away. I get they are upset that Joe was focal point of the witch hunt, but I'm not thinking some magic bullet is out there. Like many they are having a hard time coming to grips with Joe's legacy basically being killed in front of everyone. I'm not sure they can win or should even fight that battle, but he wasn't my husband or father..so I can see why they may try to.

    Agreed on both points... Tough spot to be in. But the chance of there being some smoking gun in the opposite direction when there is so much evidence to the contrary? Cmon son...

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    WE ARE! And we will always be...

    rmj147 ●

  • Jays dreams of changing the world via blogging under his fathers name have been destroyed.

    perfect

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