Letters: Paterno's legacy; Sandusky payouts best for Penn State, victims

ISSUE | PENN STATE

Sandusky payouts vetted and thorough

As chair of the Penn State board of trustees, I thought it might be helpful to highlight how the board approached the settlements for the more than 30 sex-abuse victims of former football coach Jerry Sandusky ("Trustees question Sandusky payouts," Friday).

In October 2012, the full board met and authorized the legal subcommittee to approve settlements. At my direction, Ira Lubert chaired a talented subcommittee with executive experience, including legal. They worked with respected lawyers experienced in litigation and mediation and reported to a fully engaged board throughout. Kenneth Feinberg, one of the nation's foremost mediators, who has worked out payments to victims of the 9/11 attacks, the BP oil spill, and other high-profile cases, was appointed to oversee the process.

The board's involvement and interest were apparent. I find it curious that some, including alumni-elected members who voted for settlements, have indicated that the board had not been properly briefed. The record doesn't confirm this. The board was briefed at its meetings, including 13 meetings with outside counsel, plus presentations by Feinberg and his partner, Michael Rozen.

Reaching settlements will prevent years of litigation and enable victims who brought cases forward to avoid further suffering from painful legal battles. It is critical that we continue to focus on ensuring that our campuses are safe and on ongoing prevention and education programs.

|Keith Masser, chair, Penn State Board of Trustees, State College

Unjustly tarnishing Paterno's legacy

Sports columnist Mike Jensen should try putting himself in Joe Paterno's place ("Keep Paterno statue in a dark place," July 13).

In view of recently released court documents asserting that Paterno rebuffed a teenager's report of molestation by former coach Jerry Sandusky in 1976, Jensen admonished Penn State to keep a bronze statue of Paterno in storage. Imagine being accused of reprehensible behavior that allegedly occurred 40 years earlier, rendering meaningless all the good accomplished in your life - the positive influence you had on others, the causes you championed, and the generous donations you made.

Imagine, too, that the media and their audience are inclined to believe the worst about you. Where would you look for facts or witnesses who might be able to refute the accusation against you? How, after so many years, would you try to prove a negative?

Lastly, imagine that when this timeworn accusation finally came to light, you were deceased, leaving your family to contend with the fallout.

The ongoing narrative disparaging Paterno's good name based on a decades-old claim - the truth of which is unknown - is grossly unjust.

|Patrick J. Hagan, Ardmore