Corbett One-on-One
By: John Clay
Updated: February 15, 2012
BLAIR COUNTY -- Governor Tom Corbett says when the investigation of Jerry Sandusky came across his desk as Attorney General, he never imagined it would have such worldwide impact.
Why did it take two years to investigate Jerry Sandusky? Corbett remarked he wanted to make sure it would be an overwhelming case.
The details of that case lead the Penn State Board of Trustees, of which Corbett is a member, to fire Graham Spanier and the late Joe Paterno. Trustees had reported they felt blindsided, that Spanier should have done a better job keeping them informed. And, they felt Paterno should have done more as well. Corbett says he didn't play a major role in firing Joe Paterno.
"I believe there was a meeting on Tuesday, that I wasn't involved with at all. There was another meeting on Wednesday. I participated from this phone, this seat and listened in to the discussion. That's what I did was listen. One thing, when they were about to make a vote, I said, you have to remember the children."
But the governor knew that he did have a role in this debate. "I think they needed the presence of the Governor, and I had benefit of knowing what was going on. I couldn't tell them, I wanted to make sure they understood the seriousness of this."
Corbett says he hung up the phone, and the board then decided that firing Joe Paterno over the telephone was the best course of action. A decision that many trustees now regret.
Governor Corbett says he's secure in his actions regarding Joe Paterno, Jerry Sandusky and the Second Mile, which is not under investigation. Corbett says it wasn't a problem that several members of that board gave him sizable campaign donations. In total, more than $600,000 worth. Corbett says he saw no evidence of criminal action by the Second Mile.
He maintains that he's focused on protecting children from abuse. He's confident in the prosecution of Jerry Sandusky, and that former FBI director, Louis Freeh, will be able to conduct a thorough investigation into who knew what and when at Penn State.
Penn State President, Rodney Erickson, says Freeh's investigation will likely last into the summer and the report to the board will be made public.
Why did it take two years to investigate Jerry Sandusky? Corbett remarked he wanted to make sure it would be an overwhelming case.
The details of that case lead the Penn State Board of Trustees, of which Corbett is a member, to fire Graham Spanier and the late Joe Paterno. Trustees had reported they felt blindsided, that Spanier should have done a better job keeping them informed. And, they felt Paterno should have done more as well. Corbett says he didn't play a major role in firing Joe Paterno.
"I believe there was a meeting on Tuesday, that I wasn't involved with at all. There was another meeting on Wednesday. I participated from this phone, this seat and listened in to the discussion. That's what I did was listen. One thing, when they were about to make a vote, I said, you have to remember the children."
But the governor knew that he did have a role in this debate. "I think they needed the presence of the Governor, and I had benefit of knowing what was going on. I couldn't tell them, I wanted to make sure they understood the seriousness of this."
Corbett says he hung up the phone, and the board then decided that firing Joe Paterno over the telephone was the best course of action. A decision that many trustees now regret.
Governor Corbett says he's secure in his actions regarding Joe Paterno, Jerry Sandusky and the Second Mile, which is not under investigation. Corbett says it wasn't a problem that several members of that board gave him sizable campaign donations. In total, more than $600,000 worth. Corbett says he saw no evidence of criminal action by the Second Mile.
He maintains that he's focused on protecting children from abuse. He's confident in the prosecution of Jerry Sandusky, and that former FBI director, Louis Freeh, will be able to conduct a thorough investigation into who knew what and when at Penn State.
Penn State President, Rodney Erickson, says Freeh's investigation will likely last into the summer and the report to the board will be made public.
Comments
while the Attorney General was building his "Strong case" MORE children were probaly being abused.
Nancy N.
February 15, 2012 at 4:27 pm
