The Malliard Report
The Malliard Report
From Scandal to Moral Panic: Re-examining the Penn State-Jerry Sandusky Case
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From Scandal to Moral Panic: Re-examining the Penn State-Jerry Sandusky Case

Title: The Untold Truth: Re-examining the Penn State-Jerry Sandusky Scandal

In a recent episode of the podcast "With the Benefit of Hindsight," host John Zeigler dives deep into the controversial Penn State-Jerry Sandusky scandal. Zeigler's initial interest in the case was whether legendary football coach Joe Paterno was unfairly fired. However, as his investigation progressed, Zeigler discovered that not only may Paterno have been railroaded, but the entire case against Sandusky could be fundamentally flawed.

The podcast discusses the media's role in portraying good guys as bad and vice versa, as well as the attorney general's office's role in the scandal. Zeigler also delves into his personal experience with Jerry Sandusky during his interviews and their subsequent correspondence, discussing key moments and insights that led him to believe in Sandusky's innocence.

One of the significant revelations from Zeigler's interviews with Sandusky was his unexpected disdain for Joe Paterno. This attitude contradicts the narrative of Sandusky being guilty, as he would likely feel guilt for destroying Paterno's career and life if he were indeed guilty. Zeigler also noted the importance of the 11-year period between Sandusky's retirement and his arrest, which allowed people to forget who Sandusky truly was and contributed to the moral panic that followed.

The podcast also pays tribute to Franco Harris, a former NFL and Penn State football player, who was a close friend of Zeigler and a staunch supporter of Paterno. Harris' recent passing has affected Zeigler's motivation to continue investigating the case, as he believes any potential victory would be hollow without Harris there to share it.

In conclusion, the podcast episode "Uncovering the Truth: Re-examining the Penn State-Jerry Sandusky Scandal" sheds light on the complexities of the case and the many factors that contributed to the miscarriage of justice. While the truth may never be fully revealed, Zeigler's investigation highlights the importance of questioning popular narratives and seeking the truth in a world where media frenzy can often distort reality.

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The Malliard Report
The Malliard Report
Join host Jim Malliard for the weekly podcast that ventures into the fringe, the unusual, and even current events and is not afraid to ask the tough questions.