Joe Paterno had to be prodded by his family to read the grand jury report regarding Jerry Sandusky and did not understand some of its graphic terminology, according to a new book.
The book, “Paterno” by Joe Posnanski, was purchased Friday by The Associated Press in advance of its release next week.
In the book, Posnanski describes a scene at Paterno’s home, two days after Sandusky had been charged with child sex abuse last November. Paterno’s family and a close adviser were trying to explain to the Penn State coach that there was a growing sentiment Paterno must have known for years about the accusations against Sandusky.
The book quotes Paterno as shouting “I’m not omniscient!”
The book also indicates Paterno didn’t comprehend all the terms in the report, asking his son what sodomy meant.
According to the book, later that night Paterno’s son, Scott, told his mother that she should brace herself for the possibility that Joe Paterno could be fired.
Sue Paterno responded, “Scotty, that will kill him.”
Paterno was fired by school trustees two days later, on Nov. 9. He died in January at age 85 of cancer.
Sandusky, Paterno’s longtime defensive coordinator, is jailed and awaiting sentencing after being convicted in June on 45 criminal counts involving 10 boys.
Paterno had granted access to Posnanski to write a biography in 2011, well before Sandusky was charged.
MATHIEU IN REHAB
Former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu has entered a drug rehabilitation program in Houston since being dismissed from the Tigers, according to a television report.
Fox 8 in New Orleans reported that Mathieu’s adoptive father, Tryone Mathieu, said that the 20-year-old star cornerback and punt returner known as the “Honey Badger” had been at the Right Step recovery center and was being counseled by former NBA player John Lucas.
Tyrone Mathieu said his son is committed to restoring his health and won’t play football until he is confident that his rehab is complete.
VANDALS GO IT ALONE
The Idaho State Board of Education has approved letting the University of Idaho begin scheduling and playing college football as an independent.
The board’s 5-1 vote also gives school administrators permission to explore membership in the Big Sky Conference for all other Vandal sports teams.
Since 2005, the Vandals have competed in the Western Athletic Conference. But the WAC is in tatters and hurtling toward extinction thanks to a series of defections.
EXTRA POINTS
Oklahoma defensive tackle Stacy McGee was suspended indefinitely for what coach Bob Stoops called a violation of university policy. … A magistrate in northeast Ohio has found Ohio State running back Bri’onte Dunn not guilty of a disorderly conduct charge. … Michigan defensive tackle Ondre Pipkins was healthy enough to walk around and watch his teammates practice in the afternoon after injuring his neck and being hospitalized earlier in the day. … Iowa defensive lineman John Sawhill is leaving the team because of an injury during preseason practice. Coach Kirk Ferentz said late Thursday that the senior joined the program earlier this summer after playing for Drake while he earned his bachelor’s degree. Ferentz said Sawhill had complications from a prior injury and decided to skip his remaining year of eligibility.
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