Students at Penn State University are currently in the midst of ongoing riots in State College, Pennsylvania, in response to tonight’s announcement by the Board of Trustees that beloved Coach Joe Paterno will be fired, effective immediately. Paterno’s exit comes amid reports that he did not take enough action in response to being notified about sexual abuse committed by former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.
On November 4, Sandusky was indicted on 40 charges of sexual misconduct with minors. The acts are said to have occurred on football facilities. Sandusky retired from his position of defensive coordinator in 1999, yet has maintained his ability to access the facilities to the present day. The scandal has brought much unwanted press to Happy Valley, sparking the Board of Trustees to unanimously vote Thursday evening to remove Paterno and University President Graham Spanier from their respective positions.
Paterno admitted in a statement Thursday, “I wish I had done more” upon being informed in 2002 of Sandusky’s actions. Legally speaking, Paterno followed standard procedure by notifying the Athletic Director of the information. The recent public outcry has rightfully spurred from social concerns that he could have taken immediate action, rather than aid the University in covering the case.
The Penn State students, however, continue to stand by their icon. The overwhelming majority disagree with the Board of Trustees rash decision, and they are making their voices heard.
Through social networking mediums like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, as well as clips on ESPN’s SportsCenter’s continual coverage, protesters have gotten their message to the public. Despite ESPN’s overwhelming bias against the protesters and attempts to portray them as rock-throwing barbarians, the large group of students has shown unwavering support for Paterno.
“We want Joe!” they chanted.
“F*ck the Trustees!” they cried.
Paterno has been head coach of the PSU Nittany Lions since 1966. With 409 career victories, he is the winningest collegiate coach of all time. Some would argue that no one man or woman has represented their perspective university in the public eye more than Paterno has done at Penn State. The Board’s subsequent firing of President Spanier has been overlooked by both the media and the student community.
The Cornell Insider was able to get a hold of one video, captured by PSNTV Executive Producer Allie Marzella, highlighting the protests.
