In 2011, after two years investigation, Jerry Sandusky(born January 26, 1944) was arrested because he was involved with 52 ("Jerry Sandusky case," 2012, para.96) counts of sexual abuse of young boys for more than 15 years from 1994 to 2009. Sandusky was sentenced to 30 to 60 years of prison on October 9, 2012.("Jerry Sandusky case," 2012, para.96) At his age, this kind of sentence seems like a life imprisonment, which means he will spend the rest of his life in prison.
According to the introduction from Wikipedia, Sandusky used to play football as a defensive end for Rip Engle at Penn State. After he retired from being a player, he became an assistant coach for his entire career. And he was honored with the Assistant Coach of the Year awards in 1986 and 1999.
On November 4, 2011, Sandusky was indicted on 40 cases of sex crimes against young boys.("Jerry Sandusky " 2014, para.19) This charge indicated Sandusky had inappropriate contact with an underage boy for four years when the boy was only 10 years old. And the grand jury identified 8 other boys who had been sexually assaulted by Sandusky from 1994 to 2009. More than half of these cases happened when Sandusky was still employed by Penn State.
In December 2011, Sandusky was accused of an additional 12 cases of sexual crimes against young boys.("Jerry Sandusky " 2014, para.25) The grand jury charged Sandusky with sexual intercourse and unlawful contact with underage children. The victims participated in Sandusky's youth program. Furthermore, they were just 10 to 12 years old when they were sexually assaulted.
Ironically, in 1977, Sandusky founded a non-profit charity The Second Mile served Pennsylvania underprivileged and at-risk youth. So after being charged, Sandusky refused to admit his crimes.("Jerry Sandusky " 2014, para.28) He was released awaiting trial after he paid $ 250,000 bail, and he accepted the NBC's interview:
Host: "Are you sexually attracted to young boys, to underage boys?"
Sandusky: "Am I sexually attracted to underage boys?"
Host: "Yes."
Sandusky: "Sexually attracted, you know, I enjoy young people. I love to be around them. But no I'm not sexually attracted to young boys."
Attached is an interview with Sandusky:
But, Sandusky admitted his inappropriate contacts and sexual assaults with young boys, and he will spend the rest of his life in jail.
As coaches of a team, it is extremely crucial for them to control their behaviors in front of players. According to DeSensi and Rosenberg, "A coach is a moral agent, but usually the ethical behaviors of a coach are questioned." (2010. p.127 ) In my opinion, Sandusky's behaviors had already produced negative influences not only for Penn State, but also on the society. I think the long jail life could give him a time for introspection.
From this issue, what do you think of Sandusky's crimes? Do you think it is an appropriate sentence to Jerry Sandusky or not? Why? What are the most important qualities of being a moral coach?
By Veeco Zheng
Reference:
DeSensi, J.T. & Rosenberg, D. (2010).
Personal ethics—Rights and responsibilities. Ethics and morality in Sport
Management (pp. 119-134). Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology.
Jerry
Sandusky. (December 2014). Wikipedia.
Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Sandusky
Jerry
Sandusky case: A timeline of key Dates. (2012, June 23). Pennlive.com Retrieved from http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/06/jerry_sandusky_case_a_timeline.html
Penn
State Child Sex Abuse Scandal. (2015, January). Wikipedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penn_State_child_sex_abuse_scandal
Veeco,
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned in class, this topic relates well to the material in Chapter 5 that was assigned for Monday's class. I find it difficult to read about the behaviors of Jerry Sandusky that continued for so long at Penn State. On the timeline, it says that he was convicted of 45 out of 48 charges of sexual abuse. From his interview, it seems like he was in complete denial about what he did. Based upon the charges, I have no doubt but that he deserved what turns out to be the equivalent of a life sentence. I also noticed that Mike McQueary was suing Penn State. He was the Grad Student who observed Sandusky abusing a young boy. It will be interesting to follow what happens in that case, if it hasn't already been resolved.
Again, thanks for writing about this topic. I have sent feedback to you about edits that need to be made to the references at the end. Also, you need to be sure to cite sources within the written portion of your entry.
Dr. Spencer
ReplyDeleteThese crimes disgust me. It is difficult to watch the interview, and it makes me very uncomfortable. It is obvious that he trying very hard to not publicly incriminate himself. The sentence is appropriate, and he should remain in prison for the remainder of his natural life. The lives of the individuals that he committed acts of indecency against will be affected for years and maybe for the rest of their lives. It is amazing to me that no one stood up and took action to report these acts to the local judicial system.
The most important qualities of moral value for a coach includes; educating athletes in order to benefit them on and off the field, understanding individuals intentions and needs, and creating an environment built upon trust.
I wonder if there were any signs, or character flaws that other staff members may have noticed in this time frame. Everyone has to wonder with this kind of story… how did no one notice? Why did no one talk?
You raise good questions. But I don't know who wrote this comment. Please let me know so I can give credit for it.
DeleteDr. Spencer
This case is appalling to me. I have a huge passion for bringing up our future leaders and setting good examples for them, it is disgustingly selfish for anyone to do anything that could be threatening of a child's growing and learning process. It is extremely disappointing to know that these kinds of behaviors are present in our society. I believe that Sandusky was sentenced fairly, once people get to a certain age they don't change much if at all which leaves me to believe that children in his care would not be safe if he were given the opportunity. The victims in this case are likely to be scarred for life as im sure something at this degree is very traumatizing. Therefore, Sandusky deserves to suffer the consequences of a life time equivalent sentence. Personally, I believe the most important qualities of a coach are to be honest, confident, motivational, poise, patient, personable, approachable, dependable, a leader and to be wise.
ReplyDeleteJonathan Robinson ^^^
DeleteVeeco,
ReplyDeleteThis is a much-improved entry. I will mark it accordingly in the gradebook. I would still advise you to avoid using Wikipedia. There are more legitimate sources that you can find.
Good job.
Dr. Spencer