A quick note from the editor:
Since starting Crystal Ball Run back the first week of August, the hardest story that we’ve had to cover- by far- is the ongoing situation at Penn State. By now you know the sordid details, which involve allegations surrounding former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky’s role in alleged sexual abuse of children, and what role that the Penn State’s administration and legendary head coach Joe Paterno may have played in covering it up. Jobs have already been lost, and it goes without saying that if all the details of this report are proven to be true, and all parties involved guilty of what they’re accused of, it will go down as one of the most unspeakable scandals not only in sports, but in recent American history.
However, here at Crystal Ball Run, we are above all a news source, and with respect to the American judicial system, we have to- no matter how painful it might be to stomach- accept the fact that Mr. Sandusky is innocent until proven guilty in the court of law. As writers, we all have strong personal opinions on the subject, but in respect to objective journalism, it is only fair that we present this story in a fair and balanced way.
That is why my co-managing editor Allen Kenney and I have decided that until the conclusion of this investigation, none of our writers will be writing any type of editorial, commentary or opinion columns on the subject. We know how sensitive this matter is, and again, we all have strong opinions on it. That is our job is as writers after all. However for the time being we’ve asked that all of writers share those opinions on their own, personal websites, away from the Crystal Ball Run umbrella (if you need the names of those websites, click the staff bios page at the top).
Now please understand that doesn’t mean that we won’t be covering this story at Crystal Ball Run. That couldn’t be further from the truth. We plan on reporting all of the facts in this case, in the rapid succession which they come. And if the last 36 hours are so are any indication, they are coming fast. There was yesterday’s hastily cancelled press conference, the swarm of reporters surrounding Joe Paterno’s house as left for practice, and the late-evening vigil he held with supporters in front of his home as well.
And now, there’s this late-breaking report: According to the Associated Press, Paterno will in fact step down at the end of this season. According to the Associated Press, the announcement is expected later this afternoon.
Regardless, we still do want to provide fair and balanced coverage of this story, which is why we’ve scoured the internet, and found perspectives from all over. Some are from trained professionals on both sides of this, in addition to others bloggers, writers and fans.
Here are a few relevant links to get your day started with:
The most touching, poignant piece that was written all day on Tuesday may have come from Sports Illustrated’s Andy Staples, who approached the subject from two different perspectives: That of a trained, unbiased journalist, as well as that of a father of two young children.
Yahoo’s Dan Wetzel has been on this story from the beginning, and believes Joe Paterno must go…now.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, Crystal Ball Run’s own Kevin McGuire has republished an open letter from Penn State alum Eugene Stasak, in defense of Joe Paterno. Stasak reminds people that the alleged criminal is not Joe Paterno, but in fact Jerry Sandusky.
Sports Illustrated’s Jack McCallum shares his memories of time spent with Sandusky back in 1999, months after a grand jury report.
Mike Sedor of PennLive.com believes that Paterno shouldn’t be on the sidelines Saturday, if only because of the distraction he’ll cause the players who’ve got nothing to do with this situation.
And finally, another Crystal Ball Run staff writer Joshua Guiher shares his pain as a Penn State season-ticket holder about this whole mess.
Also, if you haven’t seen it below, here is ESPN analyst and Penn State alum Matt Millen breaking down on live TV while talking about this news.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3bc4raMo4QU
We will continue to update everyone at Crystal Ball Run, as news continues to break on this complex and layered ongoing case.
