Tangible Lessons from Penn State & Syracuse

I’m tired of hearing Syracuse isn't Penn State, as if there is a standard of evidence to meet!  There are lessons to be learned from Penn State and Syracuse without constantly comparing the two scandals:

LESSON 1) Kids get taken advantage of by weirdos in 2011...it happens.

LESSON 2) Weirdos come in all shapes, sizes, outfits and income classes.  They may be the bum on the street corner drinking a beer out of a paper bag...or they may be your assistant coach of 35 years who's well-respected around the country.

LESSON 3) If you get wind of even a rumor that someone you know personally or professionally is sexually abusing minors - you are not "protecting" anyone by turning the other cheek.  This is not credit card fraud, running a red light, or even buying a bag of weed.  This is serious and it's worth another look, let alone going to the authorities.

LESSON 4) If someone you know gets accused of heinous acts as such, unless you are with this person 24/7 since the moment he/she is accused of such crime - shut up!  Don't make bullying, blathering uninformed defenses.  Shut up, Syracuse Coach, Jim Boeheim.

LESSON 5) There needs to be a more accepting culture towards victims of child sexual abuse. It's a lot more common than we think.  Everyone is in a degree or two of separation from someone who has dealt with this.

WHAT TO DO???

Watch your kids...Now!

Watch them even closer, and never be naive enough to think this couldn't happen to your child or even maybe more disarming to your values that someone in your life could be committing such crimes.  Arm yourself with that knowledge and take appropriate action. The Penn State and Syracuse scandals might prevent you and others you know future pain.

Evan Makovsky
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