There’s been much in the news about the alleged misconduct of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno and how the accusations affect his legacy in the sport and maybe not enough emphasis on how said misconduct affected the victims of the abuse.

While debates go on about the fate of Paterno’s on the field accomplishments, much more important issues lurk behind the matter. If Paterno knew about an abusive situation why didn’t he do anything to alert authorities? What is the ultimate fate of the children that were abused as a result of their abuse? Are people more focused on the status of his accomplishments because the distraction is easier to stomach then the reality of what those children night have endured?

Whether we are talking about children who witness and experience domestic violence or youths being sexually abused we are dealing with sensitive issues that require the education of the public. Perhaps we should pay more attention to the plight of abused and terrorized children and preserving their innocence and well-being rather than preserving a sports record.

Sports in this country is big business. Every year billions of dollars are made by the industry. When it comes to financially supporting organizations that are working to help alleviate the suffering of children in broken homes do we spend as much money? Do we spend as much time as we do watching sports volunteering and donating our efforts to organizations that are looking out for abused children?

The attention to Paterno’s legacy over the children that were ignored and abused is a wake-up call to the need to shift our priorities and our attention toward those that are helpless and in need rather than concerning ourselves with sports scores and win percentages.

Stephan Lherrison