Cal Ripken Requests Name Removed From Website Of Charity Behind Penn State Sex Scandal
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Former head football coach Joe Paterno may not just be out of a job, he could be losing an honor. Two Pennsylvania senators have rescinded their support for Paterno to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. And there's now a link to a local sports figure.
Andrea Fujii explains.
Cal Ripken Jr. had spoken at the charity that Jerry Sandusky-- former Penn State assistant football coach and accused child molester-- started and was even named to the honorary board of directors.
Ripken had virtually no involvement with the charity at the center of this scandal. Yet his name was listed on its website.
At his request, Ripken's name has been removed from the website of "The Second Mile," the charity started by Sandusky. And it's where Sandusky is accused of getting access to at least eight young boys-- then molesting, even raping, them over the course of 15 years.
The Baltimore Sun reports Ripken had no involvement with the charity-- aside from giving one speech.
"This is a difficult time for Penn State University, its students, alumni and supporters," said Mark Sherburne, acting athletic director.
Another assistant coach is now coming under fire: Mike McQueary. In 2002 at age 28 when he was a graduate assistant, he allegedly witnessed Sandusky having sex with a boy believed to be 10 years old in a locker room shower at Penn State.
He told head coach Paterno, but didn't call police.
"I wasn't in his position, but I feel like any normal human being if they see something like that happening, they would react a lot more with better intent than he did," said Sam Messa, Penn State student.
McQueary's dad tells The New York Times that it's eating his son up to not be able to tell his side of the story.
"If you're going to fire Joe Paterno, you should fire him because he did exactly the same thing Joe Paterno did," said Mark Caroll, Penn State student.
Late last night, Penn State said McQueary will not coach in Saturday's game against Nebraska because there have been multiple threats on his life.
Pennsylvania governor Tim Corbett visited the school Thursday and said he supports the board's decision to fire both coach Joe Paterno and university president Graham Spanier.
Neither have been charged with any crime.
