Newly released emails from 2001 by the disgraced Penn State trio of former officials (Gary Schultz, Graham Spanier and Tim Curley) discussed Jerry Sandusky and appeared to reference Joe Paterno. Check that, they imply deference not reference to Paterno. As if to say what Joe Paterno wanted, Joe Paterno got.

CNN’s Anderson Cooper reported on emails exchanged between Penn State University officials back in ’01.

According to the report, Curley, Schultz and Spanier exchanged emails to determine how they would deal with child sex abuse allegations that had come up regarding Sandusky, who was convicted of 45 of 48 child rape charges against him a week from last night.

The emails show that they initially planned to tell the authorities about the allegations, but instead opted not to after speaking with “Joe.” Now which Joe would that be? One of the emails shown by CNN reads:(h/t SB Nation)

“After giving it more thought and talking it over with Joe yesterday, I am uncomfortable with what we agreed were the next steps. I am having trouble with going to everyone, but the person involved.”

Stories of a cover-up have emerged for some time, and reports of such emails surfaced on June 12th. However, this is the first time we’ve seen a paper trail that could further besmirch this high profile institution of college football and the Big Ten. Even the biggest “JoePa” apologists and acolytes have to admit that this evidence could be rather damning of Paterno and his so-called legacy.

And there is no doubt that he wielded enough clout at the school to have the officials defer to him on their decision. When Beaver Stadium was renovated, Paterno allegedly did not have the press box upgraded because of his distaste/grudges with the media. And when the city wanted to expand the airport, he reportedly nixed that- wanting the community to stay as much insulated and cut off as possible, as to further consolidate his power. If these last two stories can be verified, then it only further proves that Paterno was the man truly running the University and town. In the same manner Dick Cheney and Halliburton truly ran the United States for eight years while George W. Bush was president.

Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Chicago Tribune.com, Fox Sports, MSN, Walter Football and Yardbarker

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