Matt Paknis, Former Penn State Graduate Assistant, Speaks Out About Joe Paterno

Matt Paknis was a Penn State graduate assistant, working with the offensive line, from 1987 to 1988. He was also abused as a child. When Jerry Sandusky was indicted for alleged sexual abuse of minors, it hit home for Paknis, and he wrote a lengthy blog entry about his time at Penn State, what he saw and how he viewed the program’s patriarch, Joe Paterno.

Paknis’ conclusion, drawn from his time working as a graduate assistant is simple: Paterno knows and controls everything in and around his program.

Joe Paterno knew and knows everything about what’s happening in his program and in State College. He was / is the ultimate control freak. If Jerry committed these crimes it is impossible for me to think Joe was not aware and complicit.

Paknis adds that he never witnessed any abuse, but recalling memories of Sandusky makes him queasy. He has harsh words for Paterno, his “kingdom” and the absolute power the Nittany Lions’ head coach held.

Give Paknis’ piece a read and draw your own conclusions. He reveals a different portrait of Paterno and the Penn State program than had been portrayed prior to the scandal, gleaned from his short time as a graduate assistant.