While Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky was busy raping little boys in the shower, his bosses apparently not only looked the other way but tried to sweep the whole thing under the rug. Because nothing ruins the hallowed sanctity of a university with a long, rich tradition like telling authorities little kids were being raped by one of its coaches.
Well, on Thursday, former Penn State President Graham B. Spanier was charged with trying to cover up the child-molestation allegations against Sandusky. He's now the third school official accused of covering up Sandusky's awfulness.
Spanier has been charged with perjury, obstruction, endangering the welfare of children, and conspiracy. Former Athletic Director Tim Curley and ex-Vice President Gary Schultz face the same charges.
"[The three defendants] worked to actively conceal the truth with total disregard to the children who were victims in this case," Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda L. Kelly told reporters Thursday.
Not long after Sandusky was sentenced, former FBI Director Louis Freeh released his report -- funded by Penn State -- that said Spanier, Curley, Schultz, and Head Coach Joe Paterno all took part in a cover-up to protect the school's image.
Curley, 58, and Schultz, 63, have repeatedly stated their innocence. They, along with Spanier, 64, are expected in court on Friday. Paterno died in January.
Freeh's report turned up emails from 1998 where school administrators discussed the situation, including a May 5 email from Curley to Schultz and Spanier that read: "I have touched bases with the coach [Paterno]. Keep us posted. Thanks."
Spanier had told Freeh that a 2001 incident was merely "horseplay." In the emails, Spanier made allusions to not reporting the matter to authorities and to suggest to Sandusky to get help. In the email, Spanier said this solution was "the humane way to proceed."
Sandusky was convicted in June of sexually abusing ten boys and was sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison in October. He is currently seeking a new trial.
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