A Disgraceful End

The New York Times reports that discussions are underway for legendary Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno to step down amid the arrest of former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky for sexually abusing boys. When told that Sandusky was involved in inappropriate behavior with a boy in a shower, Paterno only reported the incident to his supervisor the athletic director, an action legally sufficient but far short of the mark morally. This is especially damning for an individual and program long regarded as the exemplars of how to operate an above board, transparent manner.