Jerry Sandusky, the name doesn't conjure up the same picture as some of the other notorious names from the past. Maybe we would rather put it the dark recesses of our minds and pretend nothing happened. In this case, his name was associated with one of the most revered names in sports, Joe Paterno. The association tarnished, and perhaps killed, a sports idol. Woody Hayes struck an opposing player in a heated moment, ruined his career. Paterno looked the other way, ruined his career.
A sex offender, a juvenile sex offender, a coach who takes advantage, a priest who takes advantage, how do many get away, so long, without being brought to justice. Maybe one offense is difficult to prove, but a continuing pattern seems to be difficult to overlook. "I just can't believe it of him, or her." And, in this case, his actions were known for many years, yet no one spoke up. I don't think we know the depth of the "cover up" yet. I think it went much deeper than Penn State University, perhaps to the highest offices in the state. "Maybe if we keep our mouths shut it will go away." And it didn't.
As time goes by, perhaps the name Jerry Sandusky will have more negative connotations associated with it. Dahmer, Bundy, Manson, Gacy, became household words, each with its own meaning, but time seems to heal the wounds. Never of the victims though.
Before and during the trial, I don't recall any negative slurs being thrown his way coming from the bystanders, after the jury decision, people shouted out at him, negative comments, maybe they didn't believe it was true till the verdict came in. I doubt that any of his victims feel any different after the verdict, perhaps they do, but the memories linger on.
