Sandusky ruling a 'lesson' for Penn State football

Centre County Correctional Facility/AP

Former Penn State University assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky is shown in his booking photo.

The jury that convicted former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky on sexual abuse charges late Friday also sent a stinging rebuke to the school?s storied football program, an advocate for victims said.

?The culture of football at Penn State has also been found guilty,? said Robert Hoatson, founder of Road to Recovery, a New Jersey victims? organization.

?Victims of Jerry Sandusky could have been helped and healed much sooner had the aura of a major college sports program not been protected. Children are more important than football, and Penn State has had to learn this the hard way. Hopefully, it has learned its lesson.?

David Clohessy, the executive director of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, said he was encouraged by the jury?s verdict.

?The lesson here is no matter how prominent or popular or powerful you might be in your community, if you molest kids you will go to jail,? Clohessy said. ?A title or a reputation can?t overcome the courage and strength of abuse victims.

?The whole truth has to emerge for real healing to take place,? Clohessy added. ?Those who ignored and enabled Sandusky?s crimes also have to be held responsible. He cannot be the sole scapegoat for a very unhealthy system that is still likely in place right now.?

Julie Blackman, a social psychologist and the managing director of DOAR Litigation Counseling, said the Penn State jury may make it easier for other victims of sexual abuse to come forward.

?It?s got to be good, for the young men and boys who were the victims, to feel that a jury believed them,? she said.

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