With details now released that late Penn State head coach Joe Paterno was involved in a cover-up regarding convicted child molestor and former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, major athletic appearal provider Nike has announced that the company will remove Joe Paterno’s name from their Child Development Center in Oregon:
BREAKING: Nike is taking Joe Paterno’s name off its childcare center on the Nike campus.
— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) July 12, 2012
Nike also released the following statements:
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.
You can read more on the Freech Report here, detailing Paterno’s involvement in the cover up of Sandusky’s lewd actions.
