MEMOIR

In the Lions’ Den: The Penn State Scandal and a Rush to Judgment

Gryphon. Sept. 2022. 512p. ISBN 9798985699494. $24.95. MEMOIR
COPY ISBN
With this riveting memoir, former Penn State Univ. president Spanier recounts his experiences surrounding his resignation in November 2011 as the Jerry Sandusky scandal unfolded. After Sandusky was indicted on dozens of counts related to child sexual abuse, the attention of the Pennsylvania attorney general and governor turned to accusations of a cover-up by Penn State administrators after a 2001 incident, which they claimed allowed Sandusky to continue abusing children for years. Spanier thoroughly recounts developments after his resignation, including the firing of Joe Paterno, the longtime and beloved football coach, Spanier’s own grand jury testimony and that of two high-ranking Penn State administrators, and the charges brought against them. The author refutes the highly disputed report prepared by former FBI director Louis Freeh, which was influential in leading Penn State to accept extraordinary NCAA sanctions in 2012. Using evidence obtained through freedom of information laws and other sources, the author documents how many of his accusers have since been discredited and makes a convincing case of his innocence. Full disclosure: this reviewer worked at Penn State while Spanier was president.
VERDICT A compulsively readable memoir about one of the most inflammatory recent scandals in higher education.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?