In the wake of court documents released today, Penn State University President Eric Barron said the university’s concern remains focused on the victims. He responded to allegations that the late Coach Joe Paterno had greater knowledge of former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky’s victims, who were molested.
The Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas released information related to a lawsuit between Penn State and its insurer, Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association. Barron was quoted in the statement, speaking on behalf of the University, as saying Penn State does not plan to provide an additional comment.
Penn State had six different opportunities to report convicted child rapist Sandusky, and Joe Paterno knew about an allegation of abuse in 1976, the court documents allege. The documents containing the testimony of Raymond Williams, a risk management expert who testified as part of the Penn State University vs. Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association Insurance Co. case, where the school’s insurer claims Penn State failed to inform it of incidents that could result in liability exposure were ordered released a month ago by a Philadelphia judge.
Barron said Penn State’s overriding concern has been, and remains, for the victims of Jerry Sandusky. He later continued, “although settlements have been reached, it also is important to reiterate that the alleged knowledge of former Penn State employees is not proven, and should be treated as such. Some individuals deny the claims, and others are unable to defend themselves.”
