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Report: Nike To Take Joe Paterno’s Name Off Childcare Center

With the release of Louis Freeh’s report this morning, the Jerry Sandusky scandal was once again catapulted back into the news cycle. Specifically, the inaction of the men who held power at Penn State — men like Joe Paterno — are what’s being talked about today.

Freeh found that both Paterno and Penn State were unwilling to do anything about the persistent rumors (and actual eyewitness accounts) involving Sandusky sexually abusing young boys, and following the report’s release, Nike announced it was taking Paterno’s name off a childcare center on its Oregon campus. Darren Rovell initially broke the news on Twitter:

BREAKING: Nike is taking Joe Paterno’s name off its childcare center on the Nike campus.

— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) July 12, 2012

Soon after, Nike released an official statement on its decision. This comes from its website:

I have been deeply saddened by the news coming out of this investigation at Penn State. It is a terrible tragedy that children were unprotected from such abhorrent crimes. With the findings released today, I have decided to change the name of our child care center at our World Headquarters. My thoughts are with the victims and the Penn State community. – Mark Parker, President & CEO, NIKE, Inc. Other than my parents, my college coach, Bill Bowerman, was the biggest influence in my life. Bill Bowerman and Joe Paterno shared some great qualities. Throughout Joe Paterno’s career, he strived to put young athletes in a position to succeed and win in sport but most importantly in life. Joe influenced thousands of young men to become better leaders, fathers and husbands. According to the investigation, it appears Joe made missteps that led to heartbreaking consequences. I missed that Joe missed it, and I am extremely saddened on this day. My love for Joe and his family remains. – Phil Knight, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board, NIKE, Inc.
 

While many people were initially unsure of Joe Paterno’s specific role in the crimes that took place at Penn State, it is becoming clearer by the day that Paterno was indeed culpable for the heinous acts committed. The change in opinion is becoming only more evident by Paterno’s loss of support among major companies like Nike. This tweet was just sent out by Rovell:

There are 18 buildings on Nike’s campus named for sports figures. Joe Paterno is the 1st to have his name taken off.

— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) July 12, 2012

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