Let me begin by expressing how sorry I am for ALL the victims of Jerry Sandusky. It took tremendous courage for them to eventually come forward especially since those that control “the machine” were protecting him. When this story initially broke several months ago, I read the original Grand Jury Report. Based on that report, it was obvious to me that many people were aware of what had been going on for years, including Joe Paterno. Unfortunately, the machine known as Penn State Football and the money it generated was clearly more important than the well being of children. Sadly, the probability that there are more victims who have remained silent is certainly high. I’m so sorry for you as well, and hope that someday you too can come forward and speak out. The reality is that college football is not “just a game”, it has become a multi-billion dollar industry. Although we may know that already, the fact remains that people’s passion for the game we all love often clouds our ability to view it the same. I love sports and football as much as anybody, but the power that now exists within it has certainly changed the platform. We must stop elevating these coaches and players like they’re “bigger than life”, and not justify or accept ANY illegal or inappropriate conduct because our emotion for our team overrides all reason. The people responsible for “protecting the machine” are as guilty as the ghost within it.

The term “Just Win Baby” has exceeded levels of importance far too great in all sports and its fans, and too destructive a model for our young people.