The Sandusky Scandal

            The verdict is in, and Jerry Sandusky has been found guilty of some forty-five criminal counts of child sexual abuse. The former assistant football coach to Joe Paterno at Penn State University is on his way to prison for life. The scandal has sent shock waves throughout Pennsylvania and across the country. How could such an outstanding coach and role model commit such devious acts? Yet, that’s one of the questions that will linger for some time.

Even more puzzling was his complete denial of any wrong-doing. Scheduled to testify on the last day of trial, he decided to decline. Instead, throughout the hearings, he brazenly “eye-balled” each of his accusers, in a seeming attempt to intimidate them.

Prosecutors summed up the charges thusly: Sandusky was “a serial predatory pedophile,” who used gifts and the pageantry of Penn State’s vaunted football program to lure and abuse vulnerable boys from troubled homes.

Interestingly, his wife, Dotty, gave a brief testimony in her husband’s defense, saying she had no knowledge of his sexual activity with boys. It’s mind-boggling to think that Jerry and his wife can flat-out deny any wrong-doing in light of the heart-wrenching, intimate details of the eight boy accusers who testified. Then on top of that, Jerry’s adopted son Matt has come forward to accuse his dad of molesting him as a boy. Jerry’s silence was like a death knell, sending out the message, “guilty as charged!”

Just prior to the jury’s verdict, Connie Bowland arrived at the steps of the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, PA. This guidance counselor from an area elementary school was there for one reason.

“I want to look him in the eye, I want to see him, face him,” Bowland said. She was referring to Jerry Sandusky, who was not only a coach, but founder of the Second Mile charity, designed to help youths at risk. She thought these children were going to camps, etc. but instead became prey for the devious acts of a predator.

“I feel total betrayal, Bowland said; “I sent him these kids that were at risk, underprivileged, to give them an opportunity they wouldn’t have.”  When hearing he might testify, she planned to be front and center where Sandusky not only faced the court, but faced her as well.

Working with drug and alcohol addicts for many years, it is not uncommon for them to deny their addiction up front. This is why so few addicts ever recover. Sex-addicts are no different. In fact, denial is the common denominator in all kinds of addiction. This is true, especially in Sandusky’s case. His notoriety as a outstanding coach, a role model for young men, etc., could only serve to bolster his addiction and cover-up. How could such a “great man” ever commit such atrocities? Not only that, but how could he “come clean” with his wickedness and still keep his sanity? He has chosen to suppress his guilt, which eventually may only lead to despair and hopelessness.

            A psychiatrist testified that Jerry may have “a mental disorder.” Really? Anyone who commits such dastardly deeds is “mental;” but the mental problem is a result, rather than a cause. Evil thoughts can produce “sick” actions, but that doesn’t excuse one’s responsibility for sin. If every criminal is “sick,” then how can justice ever prevail? To equate sin with sickness is to eliminate guilt; we put sick people in the hospital, not in prison.

The ramifications of this case are endless. The untimely termination and death of Coach Joe Paterno are directly related to Sandusky’s actions. In hindsight, Coach Paterno probably wished he had handled the situation differently. One can argue Penn State University’s dismissal of Paterno, but whatever the case, the whole University was rocked by this scandal. What about Joe Paterno’s family, the coaching staff, the Sandusky family, and the millions of football fans across America? What devastation! And all through the hypocrisy and perversion of one man!

                        Did Jerry not sacrifice his future on the altar of fleshly gratification? Did he think that his mental brilliance, his elevated social status, and physical prowess, would exempt him from liability for his illicit behavior? These are questions, not only for him, but for many others in our corrupt society, including many revered religious leaders. What goes around comes around. Seeds take time to germinate and produce fruit. The initial process is “covered up,” but it’s only a matter of time before the harvest is revealed. Reputation is what men think we are, but character is what God knows us to be.

            Mr. Sandusky has done a great injustice to those who have revered him. The effect of his “role model” has been nullified. What could have been a great legacy, has instead become a saga of irreparable damage and heart-break. May God’s healing grace be extended to all those who have been victimized.