Quote:
Originally Posted by milkman
I've seen your whole "McQuerry was worried about his job and his future in the world of college athletics" argument.
It's complete utter bullshit.
Be a man and do the right thing.
Not doing anymore than reporting it to Paterno is not the right thing.
If the college football world shuns him for reporting child molestation, then why the hell would you want to work in an environment that shuns a man for bringing to light such a heinious act?
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I said that was one thought that probably runs through the head of any whistleblower. Not the only thought.
I also said that doing the right thing means having an entire army of reckless Penn State fans calling in death threats to you, your family, your kids, maybe for the rest of your life. I said that the way the power system worked at Penn State, there are people in that alumni organization who can make sure your life is a living nightmare. And by the way, I believe I read a report that whistleblowers often don't quit their job out of fear. It's human to be scared. Maybe he was even threatened by authorities not to squeal. That doesn't excuse or justify the actions, but it's important to remember that he's a human who has every right to be afraid.
From the sound of it, McQueary's account was specific enough that every single person in the University from the President down to the police were completely aware of what was going on. And I'm sure McQueary knew everybody knew and was deliberately trying to cover it up. What is a 25 year old person supposed to do when all levels of authority know in graphic detail the horrible nature of what happened and do nothing.
I think people are really underestimating that this is David going against Goliath. Nobody is celebrating him for being some great guy. I just don't think you can get too critical of a guy asked to throw stones at Goliath and not be a little bit scared.