I refer to the Nov. 10 column, "Beware the Paterno witch-hunt," in which Fritz Metzinger says he is not defending Joe Paterno, but rather questioning the ferocity of public judgment. Yet such a statement is rather puzzling when the author barely analyzes the public judgment. Instead, Metzinger points out the virtues of Paterno's character, which delight no one but his fellow sports fans, while completely ignoring the facts of the case, which are of interest to the common citizen and hard to dispute.
Metzinger's uses of the Duke lacrosse case and the Kobe Bryant case are non-sequiturs. The accusations in those cases were backed by witnesses with clear motives to make false accusations. In this case, we have charges of a much different nature. Does Metzinger dispute the charges laid against Sandusky? Does Metzinger somehow think that the graduate assistant fabricated his calls to Paterno, just to get some profit or lay some dirt on him? If not, why does Metzinger compare this case to the Bryant and Duke cases? Does he think that the nature of evidence for Paterno's knowledge of Sandusky's abuse is on a he-said/she-said basis? If not, why make the irrelevant comparisons, and why attempt to distract the public with Paterno's feel-good sports accomplishments?
In fact, I find that there is no "witch hunt" against Paterno. Metzinger supposes that the public is eager to "condemn first, confirm later" - but, in fact, Penn State fans are far more eager to rush to Paterno's defense solely because of his illustrious but irrelevant sports reputation.
John Soong\nCLAS IV
Read More
CASTAGNO: Bring back standardized tests
By Conall Costagno | 5 days agoAn increase in access to both test-taking and preparation materials since the pandemic — along with existing methods to make scoring more equitable — should warrant a switch back to requiring students to report standardized test scores when applying to the University.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Three years on
By Naima Sawaya | 6 days agoThis year feels particularly significant because, after today’s fourth years graduate in May, the vast majority of undergraduate students who experienced the shooting will no longer be on Grounds.
CARON: U.Va. must provide more structural support for transfers
By Jenna Caron | November 12, 2025While transfers to the University will have access to a myriad of transfer-specific programs when they arrive on Grounds, behind the scenes lie structural barriers.
