The Paterno family response isn't changing minds. If you supported Paterno before, you still do. If you saw Paterno's fingerprints all over the Sandusky case, you still do.
The Paterno response questions Freeh's methodology, and I won't argue with that. As has been noted in this space time and again, there is no such thing as a perfect investigation. Was there a rush to judgement? Likely. However, you cannot escape the conclusion.
The grand jury testimony, independent of the Freeh Report, clearly shows Joe Paterno knew Jerry Sandusky engaged in sexual activity with a child in PSU's showers. There is a change in the administration's behavior toward Sandusky after a discussion with Paterno, the king of University Park. Sandusky's crimes were never reported to the proper authorities.
Joe Paterno had the opportunity to tell his side of the story, to authorities, several times. He had to get dragged before a grand jury to do it.
How can you explain Jerry Sandusky's sudden "retirement" in 1999? One of the highest regarded defense coaches in American college football was suddenly off the map. Paterno had to know the reasons. Nothing happened at PSU without his knowledge and/or blessing. Remember, this was the same guy who refused to be fired and who threw PSU's president out of his house. Team above self? I don't think so.
When you're reading the Paterno family response, remember one thing: keep your eye on the ball.
