Like most of yinz, I found GodPa distasteful, so immersing myself for 2 hours on a Saturday evening in his recreated presence is nothing I'm very enthused about. Like so many who've diligently followed this disgusting scandal - and the cornered rat reaction to it by The Cult - I'd love nothing better than to see a drama really dig in and portray the facts.
If the story was to be accurate and cite the most important elements of the twisted culture and the scandal it prompted, then these points MUST be cited:
There will be no mention of the fact that he was despised by the entirety of the Eastern sports establishment for decades. That the Big 10 coaches did all they could to keep him and his arrogant program out of their conference. That he bullied the sports media into cow-towing to his rules… and that the local press was terrified of his program and therefore reported NOTHING critical of him or his program.
And, finally, that he did all in his power to harm the University of Pittsburgh every time he could.
If the story was to be accurate and cite the most important elements of the twisted culture and the scandal it prompted, then these points MUST be cited:
- The colossal prosecution f-up of allowing PSU counsel, Cynthia Baldwin, to testify about Paterno and the Stooges while simultaneously, supposedly representing them. Thank Commonwealth hussy/moron Katherine Kane for that one. The blunder made reams and reams of data and testimony null ‘n void, and left PA with only the much watered-down ability to prosecute (led by Western PA assistant DA Ditka lass) the Stooges with their hands essentially tied.
- There MUST be a scene wherein the Stooges agree that it is finally time to take their suspicions (and oodles of Sandusky documentation) to state authorities. Little Timmy Curley is sent to visit GodPa and when he returns, he tells the others that Paterno overruled the plan.
- It needs to be clear that complaints were made known to GodPa as far back as the mid-1970’s… and he ignored them. The culminating actions of November 2011 were hardly the first time this mess was publicly raised (it is apparently the brief window in time when this movie is set)… but it was a simmering, smoldering crime that was hushed and hidden and covered-up for 30 years.
- The death of Ray Gricar, Centre County assistant DA – during the investigation of Sandusky – must be made known. That the PSU ‘mafia’ would stop at nothing to keep their program seemingly holy and sacrosanct
- That the football program was an out-of-control renegade mob for more than a decade. That Paterno was judge and juror. That PSU Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Vicky Triponey, tried desperately to bring the football program into alignment with both the NCAA and the Dept of Education’s Clery Act regulations. Triponey clashed with GodPa and was fired by Spanier.
- There need to be snippets of the ESPN Outside the Lines (OTL) episode where Paterno’s program and its 100+ arrests – ranging from murder and rape to beatings and drugs – are woven into the movie. This was “lack of institutional control” – long the guiding star of NCAA justice – of a degree that hadn’t ever been seen before. End with the section of that ESPN episode where Paterno is confronted with the list of these facts and he stammers about “not liking the tone of the questions”
- It is imperative that the stink of the Second Mile foundation be made clear… because it remains possible that this entity was funneling money to players and possibly young boys to perverts.
- Note the uber-weird “retirement” of Ole Jerry whilst still in his 50’s and seeming at the top of his game. 1998/99. Hmmm. Why? Because that was the first time legal authorities began to investigate the crimes and cover-ups. Then show how he accompanied the team to road games (with young guests in tow), worked out frequently with the likes of Tom Bradley and had run-of-the-facilities as the Lasch Center.
- Detail the 2 week saga of the crimes being reported by the PA Attorney General’s office and Paterno squirming each day to save his job. “I’ve got a team to coach" to "They don't have to worry, I’ll be retiring after this season”. Culminating, of course, in the bizarre elegy for him in front of his house… and his leading the lemmings in a “We ARE” chant. Then the riots in State College when the board of regents announce Paterno’s firing. (In fact, that riot should be the opening scene in the movie)
- A full reflection on the Freeh Report – and its featuring of a culture run amok at the University. The bizarre cultic worship of a vainglorious football coach that led to an institution-wide sense of superiority over EVERYTHING.
- And, of course, the individual sufferings – showing each character to the extent they wish to be revealed – who paid the price for one man’s (and his brainwashed institution’s) pride.
There will be no mention of the fact that he was despised by the entirety of the Eastern sports establishment for decades. That the Big 10 coaches did all they could to keep him and his arrogant program out of their conference. That he bullied the sports media into cow-towing to his rules… and that the local press was terrified of his program and therefore reported NOTHING critical of him or his program.
And, finally, that he did all in his power to harm the University of Pittsburgh every time he could.
