Oct 27, 2012; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Michael Mauti (42) grabs the face mask of Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller (5) during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-US PRESSWIRE

The Penn State Nittany Lions entered the ‘White Out’ game with the Ohio State Buckeyes in search of an early career-defining game for head coach Bill O’Brien, and a national coming out party for a team with the weight of the world upon its shoulders. Ohio State, led by first-year head coach Urban Meyer and Heisman candidate and quarterback Braxton Miller, had other intentions, beating Penn State 35-23 on the hoof of a strong third quarter.

Penn State struck first when Michael Yancich recovered a blocked punt off the mitts of Mike Hull and took it in for six in the second quarter. Ohio State answered with a methodical, 12-play drive to even up the score just before the half, as Carlos Hyde bulldozed his way into the endzone.

The Buckeyes outscored Penn State 21-3 in the third quarter, highlighted by two long drives following a Matt McGloin pick six returned by Ryan Shazier.

Penn State tried to make a game of it in the fourth quarter on an extremely long, 18-play scoring drive, to cut Ohio State’s lead down to 28-16. The Buckeyes then put it away on a 72-yard touchdown pass shortly after the Lions’ score and held on to win 35-23.

The main culprit for Penn State in the loss was running game of Buckeyes, as they put up 234 yards on PSU, who came into the game ranked second in the Big Ten against the run. It was Ohio State’s ability to run the ball off tackle and in space that hurt Penn State, as Braxton Miller totaled 277 all-purpose yards despite completing just seven passes, due to his 25 carries for 134 yards.

Inversely, Penn State had just 32 net rushing yards, although Zach Zwinak led the team with 42 yards on 12 carries.

In the passing game, Matt McGloin was 27 for 45 for 327 yards, good for a career high in yardage, though his one interception proved costly, giving Ohio State the momentum to start the second half.

Just a reminder: The spreads for each game were as of Tuesday morning.

Left behind are a plethora of diverse, athletic players who are eager to get on the field. Sophomore Allen Robinson was listed as a starter coming out of the spring game, where he shined. As a true freshman in 2011, Robinson saw action in 11 games but had only three catches for 29 yards. Sophomore Alex Kenney is the likely starter in the slot. He played corner last season but moved back to his more natural position in the spring. Alex may also be the player who takes over some of Justin Brown’s punt returning duties. He may also be the fastest player on the team this season. The last starting wide receiver spot will probably be a fight between Shawney Kersey (5 catches 108 yards) and Brandon Moseby-Felder (4 catches 53 yards).

There is obviously a glaring issue. The top four returning receivers had a combined 12 receptions in 2011.

The good news is that all four of them have tremendous upsides and the depth at the position is very athletic.

Behind those four players, keep an eye on redshirt freshman Matt Zanellato , who will see plenty of snaps. Matt is a tall, possession-type wide receiver with terrific hands. He spent his freshman season adding weight and showed off his hands in the spring game this past April. He could become a redzone threat.

Aside from those players. the incoming freshman class included some dynamic wide receivers. With the scholarship limit going forward, redshirts will be scarce and snaps will be based solely on talent.

Four star WR Eugene Lewis will almost certainly earn some playing time, maybe sooner rather than later. He also possesses return skills, which could prove valuable with the losses of Brown and Devon Smith. More under the radar, guys like Malik Golden and Trevor Williams, both extremely versatile, could push Alex Kenney for playing time in the slot.

During his three years at Penn State, Brown never seemed to live up to his potential. His departure creates an opportunity for others to now prove themselves in areas where Brown did not.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

“It’s a new era. Changes were made in 1966 probably. Changes are going to be made in 2012 as well. Jump on board. Support this team and support these players.”

My gut instinct is that the jerseys will have the names on them, at least for the opening game against Ohio. These players have been through a lot and the one who are sticking beside the Penn State football program and university through these sanctions deserve to be recognized. As a person who loves the traditional basic blues, I am 100% for this move.

But what else could be in store?

When Temple visits Penn State on September 22, the fans will participate in a “blueout”, wearing all blue in an effort to raise awareness for abused children. What if the football team participated, as well?

If the first time that Penn State changed their uniforms in 60 years was in an effort to help raise awareness for child abuse, would you protest that? This is another move that I think people should get behind. Not sure how the black shoes would play here…but they could figure something out.

What about on October 27th when Penn State hosts Ohio State for the night game whiteout? Penn State usually wears their home blues for those games but that could be a spot for a little uniform tweak, no? Imagine if the Nittany Lions came out of the tunnel to an audience clad in all-white while wearing these:

Nothing drastic, but enough to remind people that this is a new era of Penn State football. Also, the white on white would be visually appealing and if you’re going to break something out to pump the players up, why not do it against the Buckeyes?

Other teams have been able to use alternate uniforms as a recruiting tool in the past. Oregon is notorious for it and the small changes that Michigan has made in the last couple years have been very popular with the younger crowd. O’Brien and his staff are in a tough spot and they need to get creative when it comes to bringing in top recruits.

Plus, I still think we’re a few eras away from something drastic like this…

…but who knows!

“Penn State has taken a lot of punches over the last six months, and it’s time to punch back.”…”Get on board.”
~Bill O’Brien

VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE  TO SEE OTHER (BETTER) PROTOTYPES.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

The bomb the NCAA dropped on Monday hurt.  It hurt anyone who holds Penn State in the same regard that I do.  But it also has done something I am sure many around this country never expected would happen.  This Penn State family is coming together.

I don’t care what the talking heads say, the Penn State culture is not broken or flawed.  I don’t know what prompted the men who brought this upon our great University to make the decisions they did, but I know in my heart it was not because of what Penn Staters feel and believe.  This community is full of good people who remain as hurt about what has happened here as the rest of the country.  We love this place not because of football victories or a football coach, but because of what it taught us, the experiences it gave us, and the people we met.  That is what “We Are Penn State” means.  It is not just a football cheer.  It is us.  WE are Penn State.

I will not begrudge any of you who decide to transfer out, or back out of a commitment.  The time, energy, and effort that it takes to play major college football is something that none of us can likely understand.  Chances to play in bowl games and for championships are limited.  You need to do what is right for you, your families, and your future.

But to those of you that make the decision to stay, as many have, you are about to be a part of something that no Nittany Lion football player has ever been, or will ever be.  You will go down in history as the group of young men that chose to be a part of something much bigger than a championship trophy or a trip to Florida in December.  You have my word that we, as the Penn State family, will give you our undying support.

Michigan says those who stay will be champions.  At Penn State, those who stay will become legends.  Not because of their ability on the football field, but because of the commitment they have shown to this place that so many of us hold so dear.

For the Glory,

Matt de Bear

Penn State ‘05

Follow VBR Staff Writer Matt de Bear on Twitter!

For the next four years, Bill O’Brien will have to jump through hoops to fill his 15 scholarships each season with players who fit his system while the university pays millions upon millions ($73 is the estimate) in fines. Also those players must be willing to forego playing in bowl games for most of their collegiate career.

Somewhere in that mess, Jerry Sandusky, Graham Spanier, Tim Curley, Gary Shultz and Joe Paterno are taught a lesson about compliance and culture. Can you help me find it?

Here is the part that really pokes me wrong. The current players are allowed to transfer to another university with no penalty. No penalty. They’re welcome to pick up, relocate and leave their teammates with “no penalty.” They can switch schools, provided that school has room, leaving behind friends and girlfriends, leases and class schedules, all with “no penalty.”

What if those things don’t interest them?

Well then, they’re welcome to stay and play on a team that will not be eligible for a conference championship or bowl game, essentially stripping them of rewards for playing well.

So that’s it? Those are the options? I guess that’s fine, since they’re just football players and all. It’s not like they’re actual humans with emotions and attachments or relationships.

It’s not like Jake Kiley proudly got a tattoo of a jacked up Nittany Lion shortly after committing to Penn State in January. It’s not like Steven Bench misses his two dogs back home in Georgia. Not like Silas Redd promised his mother to get a degree before going pro. Nah, they’re just football players.

What happened to STUDENT ATHLETE? I can’t tell you how many of the players I’ve talked to are quick to chime in about the athletic opportunities at Penn State. In an interview with Steven Bench, he told me this about his decommitment from Rice and commitment to Penn State:

“They’re top notch as far as academics goes…but a Penn State degree isn’t anything to sneeze at either. They’re up there as far as academics goes, but they’re also up there as far as football goes.”

A chance to play top notch football and get a top notch education. The epitome of “student athlete”, no? 

Jason Miller-US PRESSWIRE

As I reported on Friday morning, sources indicated that Penn State president Rodney Erickson had made the decision to remove the Joe Paterno statue this weekend. That removal began at approximately 7 a.m Sunday morning when police set up a barrier on the road in front of the statue. A fence was then put up, just outside of the sidewalk and was then tarped, to block much of the view of the statue.

Shortly after, the forklift arrived and the jackhammering began. At around 8:20, the statue came down and was moved into Beaver Stadium storage. Exactly six months after the death of Paterno, the statue at Beaver Stadium has fallen. The statue, which has served as a memorial for the late coach since that bitterly cold Sunday morning in January, will now leave an empty hole outside of Beaver Stadium, leaving a memory of what once was in its absence.

Erickson released a statement this morning, stating that

The statue of Joe Paterno outside Beaver Stadium has become a lightning rod of controversy and national debate, including the role of big time sports in university life. The Freeh Report has given us a great deal to reflect upon and to consider, including Coach Paterno’s legacy.

The term “lightning rod” couldn’t be more accurate. This statue has been the center of pointless debates for over a week now and has become a polarizing point of discussion for all things Penn State.

Erickson goes on to say that

The Paterno Library symbolizes the substantial and lasting contributions to the academic life and educational excellence that the Paterno family has made to Penn State University. The library remains a tribute to Joe and Sue Paterno’s commitment to Penn State’s student body and academic success, and it highlights the positive impacts Coach Paterno had on the University. Thus I feel strongly that the library’s name should remain unchanged.

I think most people had accepted that this was the way it would go down. The statue, symbolizing Joe Paterno the coach, would come down. The library, symbolizing the Paterno family’s dedication to education, would remain.

When I woke up to find this news on Twitter, it was a very surreal moment. While I applaud Penn State leadership on making a decision and acting, the realization that this changes nothing set in. Nothing other than to appease the critics who will not move on to the library or the death penalty or whatever the next needle-mover becomes.

This certainly feels like a step, though I don’t know what direction it is in.

You can read President Erickson’s full statement HERE.

Read about the players represented behind the statue HERE.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

Also, check out my twitter timeline from Sunday morning for pictures from the media who were on site.

B1G BREAKING RUMORS: JOE PATERNO’S STATUE GOES DOWN TOMORROW NIGHT OUTSIDE PENN STATE’S BEAVER STADIUM

— Brent Seberhagen (@seberhagen) July 20, 2012

Source: Paterno statue MAY be coming down at 2am Saturday morning.Directive issued by Erickson without #PSUBoT knowledge or approval.

— Justin C ’07 (@CasaNoVApsu) July 20, 2012

Just before I put my head on my pillow, I sent an email to a friend who is the only person I know that would have any knowledge of the situation. I awoke to this in my inbox:

“Yeah man, sounds like it’s happening this weekend.”

In the wake of the resignation of former BoT Chairman Steve Garban, it appears that Penn State president Rodney Erickson has decided that now is the time to move forward. While bold, I commend Erickson on making a decision and showing the leadership that Penn State has been lacking so desperately.

While I said in a post over the weekend that I don’t care about the statue, I find myself oddly nostalgic this morning. Not to say that I disagree with the decision, just that I feel like it’s a bigger deal now than I have at any time in the last week. In a poll I posted here on VBR, asking whether the statue should stand, it is literally a 50/50 split.

Perhaps it is the right thing to do. Perhaps it is a move, made due to pressure to satisfy the masses. Maybe it’s even to get that damn plane out of the air. Whatever it is, the Joe Paterno statue will likely be gone by Monday, barring a change of heart from the school president.

My hope is that the students currently in State College, as well as the community surrounding campus be supportive, rather than act irrationally as some did back in November. Now is a time to move forward and fix the past. That will not be an easy process and this is going to be one of the difficult steps for many.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

Actually…it will be EXACTLY the same. Nittanyville never had anything to do with Joe Paterno in the first place. It was a camp of amazingly loyal, devoted students battling for row-supremacy in next week’s home football game. It was the passing of time with bare essentials and scheduling to ensure that someone would always be manning the tent. It was pizza, trash-can football and socializing among young adults.

It will still be all of those things.

This was not a rushed decision brought on purely by pressure. The organization admitted that they had begun discussing a potential name change back in November. To discredit students like Jeff Lowe and Troy Weller as though they don’t love the organization is simply insane. This was not an easy decision, I’m sure, but it could have been. “Paternoville” was not the library or the statue, It was never really “in honor of” Joe. It was just lazily named, like many other things around Happy Valley, after the legendary coach.

Now, it is named after something far greater: You.

Focus at Penn State needs to be shifted toward the tremendous academic institution that it still is. Much like keeping names off the jerseys, naming a sect of students after one man wasn’t a particularly great idea, initially, but nobody cared because it was Joe. As someone (I can NOT find it) mentioned Monday on Twitter, “The Joe that you thought you knew would have never wanted it named after him in the first place.”

As for those submitting new names that include new head coach Bill O’Brien, I’ll admit, some of them are witty, but stop. It’s important that we learn from the past when moving forward. From now on, individuals should be looked past while the whole is honored and revered. Placing people on pedestals is a quick way to create an image that can’t be lived up to.

Nittanyville is a name that will never need changed.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

Let’s take a look at what the Penn State players and recruits were up to during the weekend…

Who has the roster update where Paul Jones is a 86 on ps3 for NCAA 13

— Donovan Smith (@PSU_Smith_76) July 15, 2012

Donovan Smith, looking to make some depth chart moves on NCAA 13
 

No struggle. No progress.

— Akeel Lynch (@ALynch_22) July 15, 2012

 Incoming freshman Akeel Lynch figuring out life.
 

Penn State is about to get slammed in the athlete department

— OVOXO(@Zaire_Williams) July 14, 2012

RB Zaire Williams who recently camped at Penn State before committing to WVU.

Sheesh!!

— Rob Bolden (@Rbold_1) July 14, 2012

Rob, probably just saw the depth chart.

I hate it when my phone dies mid-twe

— Anthony Stanko(@5tank0) July 15, 2012

Ha!

Just raising over $100,000 for Kidney Cancer research #liftforlife #nbd instagr.am/p/NHEcTuQHcd/

— Garry Gilliam ™ (@GarryGilliam89) July 15, 2012

Ahhh yeah, Lift for Life was this weekend…Who knew!

Things like Thon, Lift for Life, and Catch the Cure define what Penn State is. Nothing else. Feels great to be a Nittany Lion.

— Adam Breneman (@AdamBreneman87) July 16, 2012

Adam is becoming the spokesman of the 2013 class and Penn State should be proud of that.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

Today, Ben Jones of StateCollege.com has reported that the group has decided to change their name to Nittanyville, in the wake of the Freeh Report findings.

“We always have discussed the idea of changing the name once Joe was no longer the head coach,” Paternoville Vice President Jeff Lowe told Jones.

As I stated yesterday, it’s unfortunate that young adults have to have discussions like this but Lowe said that the group’s affiliation has led to “threats, hate mail and efforts from people outside of Penn State to try and ruin our ability to run an effective organization.”

Weller added that

“by changing the name to Nittanyville, we want to return the focus to the overall team and the thousands of students who support it.”

The president of what is now Nittanyville added to me “It was a very hard decision” and added “It wasn’t without careful deliberation and support from numerous people involved.”

I am in full support of this move and, though maybe not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things, I believe it is a significant decision by the group and a step in the right direction. A new era of Penn State is upon us and aiming the support at the team seems more fitting than ever.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

ADAM BRENEMAN TEAMS UP WITH PROJECT A.L.S. TO CATCH THE CURE

Top-Ranked Tight End Joins Project A.L.S. to Raise Funds and Awareness for Deadly Neurodegenerative Disease

Camp Hill, PA—This fall, the nation’s top-ranked high school tight end is teaming up with Project A.L.S. to Catch the Cure—and stop the devastating brain disease ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Adam Breneman, who has committed to play football at Penn State in fall 2013, will dedicate his senior year at Cedar Cliff High School to raising money to cure ALS, a neurodegenerative illness that is closely related to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Catch the Cure, marking the partnership between Breneman and Project A.L.S., will start a new chapter in ALS advocacy and fundraising. Breneman, whose talents have been extolled on ESPN, Bleacher Report, Scout.com and many other outlets, will work with Project A.L.S. to raise significant funds for ALS research, raise awareness about ALS and advocate for those with neurodegenerative brain diseases around the world.

“Adam is an incredibly talented and hardworking young man, but his empathy and drive to do good make him a truly exceptional person,” said Project A.L.S. President and Co-Founder Meredith Estess. “Project A.L.S. is honored to partner with him in the fight against ALS.”

ALS hit close to Breneman, 17, when his neighbor and brother’s former football coach Tom Kirchhoff was diagnosed. Breneman saw the devastating effect that the disease had on Kirchhoff, an executive at Cleveland Brothers, but he also saw Kirchhoff’s resilience and spirit. Kirchhoff, his family and friends, have refused to let ALS conquer them and instead proclaim, “We Will Win.” Cleveland Brothers has generously offered to match all funds raised in Catch the Cure to double its impact on ALS research.

Less than a month into planning the campaign, Breneman tore his ACL in a 7-on-7 scrimmage. Now, as he undergoes surgery and spends the year in rehab preparing to enter Penn State, he’s taken a lesson from Kirchhoff’s  “We Will Win” mentality and is determined that his injury will make him mentally and physically stronger as a player. He will showcase his fight to recover and, supported by his community and teammates, will inspire people around the world to Catch the Cure for Project A.L.S. research.

“Tom and Adam are indomitable spirits. They personify the stubborn work in the face of adversity that will understand and effectively treat ALS,” said Meredith.

Every dollar raised through Catch the Cure will go directly to Project A.L.S. research. For more information about Adam and Catch the Cure:

Website: http://catch-the-cure.com

Donate: catch-the-cure.com/donate

Twitter: twitter.com/adambreneman87

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Project A.L.S.™ is a non-profit 501©3 devoted to understanding, treating, and ultimately curing ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Founded in 1998 by Jenifer Estess, her family and friends, Project A.L.S. has become the new paradigm for brain disease research. ALS is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that, combined with the closely related Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, is a 21^st century epidemic.  In ten years 1 in 25 Americans will be affected with a neurodegenerative disease. www.projectals.org.

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ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease and motor neuron disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects adults of all ages. It is closely related to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s. ALS targets large brain cells residing in the brain and along the spinal cord called motor neurons. In ALS, as motor neurons get sick and die, a person progressively loses the ability to move: to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. ALS is usually fatal within 2-5 years of diagnosis.

I’m pretty sure that with everything else going on right now, I don’t care about the statue.

I don’t think that I will ever visit the statue again. I don’t foresee taking my children to a game and having their picture taken with it. I imagine the next time I walk past it, if it is still up in September, I will glimpse over and shake my head. I may be being short-sighted on the issue, as I sometimes am, but it seems irrelevant to me right now.

What Joe Paterno did for the Penn State University and it’s football program will never be forgotten. His 409 win total is likely to never be matched. There is no denying that Joe’s accomplishments are “statue-worthy.” Also, the “players” running out of the tunnel behind that statue deserve to be honored, as well.

Having said that, I don’t know how to honor Joe Paterno’s football accomplishments right now without thinking solely of the young boys who could have been saved from the monster that is Jerry Sandusky. A monster who Joe likely looked in the eye on a weekly basis for a decade after being told of not one, but TWO “showering with boys” incidents. A monster who was provided free reign of the same athletic facilities that Joe Paterno’s accomplishments helped to build. Facilities that Sandusky ultimately used to molest young boys.

When asked about the renaming of “Paternoville”, the group’s president, Troy Weller, tells me that they are discussing the matter internally. It’s a shame that young college students are put in the position that they even have to have conversations like this, but this is the mess that we are left with. Penn Staters everywhere are making difficult decisions and having difficult conversations.

As for the statue, it’s not difficult to me at all. I simply don’t care about it.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

My biggest question about all of this is what do people know about how pedohpiles operate?  I wish someone would have asked Freeh about this.  Jerry Sandusky was an intelligent and trusted person.  I think all four dropped the ball but I’m not sure how much they knew about the subject.

I happen to be a volunteer United States swimming official.  This organization is going through the same issue but with much less publicity.  USA swimming now requires training on the subject, including a very enlightening video.  What surprises me is when I tried to find some info on the USA incidents to compare to ours, I found a few posts that seemed to indicate that they may still have issues.  I hope that does not happen to us.

Here are 2 posts concerning USA swimming.  There are others I’m sure.

“Today we received the results of the Freeh Group’s investigation into what transpired at Penn State. I am carefully reading the report and recommendations with respect to the football department, including any gaps that may exist, to identify what changes can and should be made. I stand with the University leadership in a shared commitment to driving a culture of honesty, integrity, responsible leadership and accountability at all levels and within all units of our institution. We can and we must do better. Nonetheless, I too remain proud of the accomplishments and character of Penn State’s many generations of student-athletes, and I look forward to doing my part to ensure we emerge stronger than before.”

I can literally picture Bill O’Brien, with that focused demeanor and lowered brow, saying these words. He is not in a desirable position, but I can’t think of a better man for the job. Bill easily could have remained at New England, coaching one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the game. Instead, at a time when many were doing all that they could to distance themselves from Penn State, Bill O’Brien stepped up as the face of the crumbling empire. Since then, he has done a fine job of beginning the transition from the horrific events that transpired over the last decade-plus into the new era of Penn State football.

Although there is a long way to go, I am proud to move forward as a fan of Penn State football and a fan head coach Bill O’Brien.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

When we finally arrived at Beaver Stadium, my kids’ first visit, it was extremely cold and I knew that it would be a short one. I took pictures of my kids in front of the stadium then we proceeded to the statue where dozens of fans, alumni and students stood, not sure what to do next. My son recognized the statue and asked “Daddy, is that ‘Joe-Pop?’” I stood quietly for several minutes before loading the kids back into the car and cranking up the heat, then started the four hour trip back home.

“The most saddening finding by the Special Investigative Counsel is the total and consistent disregard by the most senior leaders at Penn State for the safety and welfare of Sandusky’s child victims.”

I want that day back. And it devastates me to say that.

I don’t want my son’s first trip to Beaver Stadium to have been in honor of a man who not only could have done more to prevent child abuse, but needed to, and didn’t. Didn’t step in or step up after knowing of multiple accusations against a man who he frequently saw on campus, accompanied by children. Why not? Honestly, it really doesn’t matter why not.

I’ve contested since November that Joe Paterno deserved the benefit of the doubt. Repeated that a man who helped so many people and did so many good things deserved the full truth before judgement, rather than speculation. Today, I believe we have enough of the full truth.

The one thing that really strikes me is that Joe Paterno was told in 1998 about the first incident with Sandusky and Victim 6. Curley said he “touched base” with Joe and later asked “Anything new in this department? Coach is anxious to know where it stands.” Also, the mother of Victim 6 told Sarah Ganim of the Patriot News that she was told Paterno OK’d not charging Sandusky in ’98. Maybe there wasn’t evidence. All the mother reported was a shower…inappropriate, but maybe not warranting charges. Not enough there to crucify anybody…

Throughout this process, I’ve argued that it is certainly feasible a man in his mid 70′s, born in the 1920′s, could have had a hard time wrapping his head around child molestation between two males, especially by a colleague of over 20 years, when he was told about it in 2001 by Mike McQuery. Now, knowing that he was in fact aware of the accusations in 1998, I must change my stance on that.

In 1999, Sandusky took Victim 4 to the Alamo Bowl, where he sexually assaulted him in the team hotel.

In 2000, Sandusky sexually assaults Victim 8 in the Lasch shower.

In 2001, McQueary witnessed Sandusky in shower with Victim 2. He reports incident to Joe Paterno.

At that time, McQueary had known Paterno for nearly a decade. He played quarterback for the coach before joining as a graduate assistant shortly after his time at Penn State. One could come to the conclusion that Joe trusted and respected Mike McQueary.

“You did what you had to do. It’s my job now to figure out what we want to do.”- JVP

This is where the excuses end.

I understand chain of command and the process taken by schools across the country when child abuse is involved. I get that and have used it as a defense over the past months. If Joe knew about the incident in 1998, and he did, then was told by a trusted colleague in 2001 of Sandusky and Victim 2, all discussions and processes go out the window. The time for “figuring out” is gone.

“Over the last nine months Joe Paterno has been praised by some in near saintly terms and criticized by others as a villain.  He was neither.

As the people who worked closely with Joe know, he was tough, aggressive, opinionated and demanding.  He was also highly principled, uncompromisingly ethical, dedicated to his job at Penn State and committed to excellence.

When the Sandusky case exploded last fall, Joe’s first instincts were to tell everything he knew. He assumed the University would want to hear from him, but he was never given the chance to present his case.

He planned to hold a press conference, but University officials ordered him to cancel it.  And then the various investigations started and the legal process took over.  On top of everything else, Joe was diagnosed with lung cancer.  Two months later he was gone.  The end result is his story has never fully been told.

As this situation unfolded, Joe cautioned everyone not to jump to conclusions.   He believed that a rush to judgment and a disregard for due process would ultimately result in conclusions that would not stand the test of time.  To be clear, he did not fear the truth, he sought it.  As much as anyone he wanted to know exactly what Jerry Sandusky had done and he wanted to understand how it happened.

The hiring of the Freeh Group is the single most important action the Board of Trustees has taken.  Joe supported this decision with the hope that it would result in a thorough, balanced and thoughtful assessment of the Sandusky tragedy.  Unfortunately, recent events have raised questions about the fairness and confidentiality of the investigative process.

Over the last several weeks there has been a virtual torrent of leaks about the Freeh Group’s work.  To be clear, we do not know the source, or sources, of the leaks.  What cannot be disputed, however, is that select emails intended to smear Joe Paterno and other former Penn State officials have been released.  Testimony from witnesses highly critical of Joe has been revealed.  And purported conclusions condemning the culture of the football program have been widely disseminated.  The Board promised a fair, transparent and impartial process.  These developments are a threat to their stated objectives.

When these leaks first started we appealed to the Freeh Group, the Board and the Attorney General to condemn the leaks and caution the public that it would be wrong to reach any conclusions from selectively released materials.  We then asked that all emails and other documents be released so a full picture of their research could be understood.

As purported conclusions started leaking out, we followed up with the Freeh Group to ask for the right to respond.   Since Joe Paterno never had an opportunity to present his case, we believe we should have a reasonable time to review their findings and offer information that could help complete the picture. We were told we could offer responses to the publicly reported allegations, but the Freeh Group declined to confirm that these allegations are in the final report.   It is our firm belief that the report would be stronger and more credible if we were simply given a chance to review the findings concerning Joe Paterno in order to present the case he was never allowed to make.

Since the outcome of this process appears set in stone, we have no choice but to wait for the report and respond as best we can.  Given that the report is estimated to be between 100-150 pages it will understandably take us some time to study it and prepare a comprehensive response.

In advance of the release of the report, there are a few facts we want on the record:

• We would still welcome a chance to meet with the Freeh Group to review the findings and offer a response.  We do not seek or expect the right to edit the report; but we believe our voice should be reflected in its conclusions.

• To this point, Joe Paterno is the only person who publicly acknowledged that with the benefit of hindsight he wished he had done more.  This was an honest and courageous admission that a true leader must assume a measure of responsibility when something goes wrong on his watch.

• The sad and frightening fact is Jerry Sandusky was a master deceiver. He fooled players, coaches, law enforcement officials, child service professionals, Penn State Board members, University leaders, neighbors, donors, staff and supporters of Second Mile and his family.

• With respect to the email from Tim Curley which stated, “After giving it more thought, and talking it over with Joe yesterday – I am uncomfortable with what we agreed were the next steps,” the media spin that this is proof of some sort of cover up is completely false. When the facts come out, it will be clear that Joe Paterno never gave Tim Curley any instructions to protect Sandusky or limit any investigation of his actions.

• Joe Paterno did not cover up for Jerry Sandusky.  Joe Paterno did not know that Jerry Sandusky was a pedophile.  Joe Paterno did not act in any way to prevent a proper investigation of Jerry Sandusky.  To claim otherwise is a distortion of the truth.

If he were with us today, we are certain Joe Paterno would say that he wished he had done any number of things differently.  We also believe he would make it clear that he was not an investigator, law enforcement officer, child services professional or a member of the Board of Trustees.  Joe would accept his responsibility, but he would expect others to step forward as well.”

The Freeh Report will be released on Thursday morning at 9 a.m. eastern. Good or bad, we will finally have some truth.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

In what will be the first of several installments over the coming weeks, we kick off with the Michigan State Spartans, the somewhat surprising winners of the Legends (I think) Division in 2011 and Outback Bowl champions over Georgia. Mark Dantonio’s squad is getting a lot of attention headed into the 2012 season, and is getting a lot of hype to possibly return to Indianapolis for the 2nd Big 10 Championship Game. I’m not buying it.

It all starts under center for me, and Michigan State loses 3 year starter Kirk Cousins, who was taken in the 4th round of the draft by the Redskins. Experience at QB is huge, and MSU just doesn’t have it. It was a different time, but Sparty suffered through a 6-7 2009 season in Cousin’s first season as the starter. Andrew Maxwell is the heir apparent, and while he has the time in the program (RS Junior) and the accolades (4-star recruit on Rivals, Elite 11 attendee), he’s thrown 51 passes in his 3 seasons in East Lansing, and none of them meaningful. MSU also loses their top 3 receivers and 2 tight ends. The good news is 80% of the offensive line returns, as does one of the more underrated backs in the country, Le’Veon Bell. An experienced line and tailback can be a young QB’s best friend, but you better believe every defensive coordinator on the schedule is already plotting to neutralize those strengths, namely by stacking the box and forcing Maxwell and the green receiving corps to beat them.

Defense brings good news for MSU. William Gholston and Marcus Rush could be the best pass rush combo in the Big 10, and among the best in the country. More experience can be found in the back 7 with Chris Norman and Max Bullough at linebacker, and Darqueze Dennard, Johnny Adams and Isaiah Lewis in the secondary. The defense should keep Sparty in most games, and give their young offense time to grow.

The schedule doesn’t do Sparty any favors though. Boise State comes calling to Spartan Stadium in a Week 1 primetime matchup. The Broncos aren’t the same as years past with Kellen Moore’s departure (among others), but Chris Petersen has built something in Boise, and I’m not ready to hand this one to MSU at all. Improving Notre Dame comes to East Lansing in Week 3, coming off a dominant 31-13 victory last season in South Bend. Those are 2 early challenges for a young offense early on.

The Big 10 schedule opens with the Urban Meyer show at home. MSU beat OSU in Columbus last season, in an ugly 10-7 game that I’m not sure anyone really wanted to win. After a trip to Bloomington and a home date with Iowa, a very challenging 3 game stretch awaits. October 20th with in-state rival/sibling Michigan in Ann Arbor, October 27th in Camp Randall versus the Badgers, and November 3rd back home against Nebraska. Thankfully for MSU, these are games 8, 9 and 10 but with the youth at key spots on offense, I would be concerned.

Mark Dantonio spent time under Jim Tressel in Columbus before leaving for Cincinnati and then Michigan State. Coach Tressel’s teams of course had a knack for finding ways to win seemingly ever close game. MSU showed a touch of that last season as well, most notably vs. Wisconsin and again in the Outback Bowl. If MSU can keep up that magic into 2012, it could be another special season. But while Tressel had a track record of it, Dantonio does not, at least not yet. Until he does, I can see this MSU team losing 3 or 4 games.

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