Should A Coach Be Bigger Than The Institution He Serves?

College campuses across the nation are dominated by individuals who have become larger than the institutions they belong to. How does this happen?  Why does this happen?  The answer to either of these questions is not simple.  The same basic premise applies in any setting when one individual becomes bigger than the institution itself.  Usually when it happens, tragedy follows.  I can think of only a few instances when the individual became bigger than the institution and tragedy did not strike.  Michael Jordan became larger than life during his time with the Chicago Bulls but he managed to help his franchise win six NBA championships.  Other than that one outlier situation, most situations end in tragedy.  This leads me to the current situation at Penn State University, but I will discuss that a little later. 

Let us start with the facts.  Most universities were founded in the 18^th or 19^th centuries. With an institution existing for so many years, why is it that one charismatic leader can enter an institution and become bigger than that which he belongs?  This is again not a simple question and the answer will not be a simple one either.  The idea of one man becoming larger than the institution and the outcry from the citizenry to prevent it from happening makes me think of ancient Rome.  Many people who lived and survived through the reign of emperors would do almost anything to avoid tyrannical, non-democratic rule.  There are stories of men being afraid to have the appearance of too much power because they feared they would be killed because people would think they wanted to crush the republic and establish a dictatorship.  Hundreds of years ago people realized that too much power vested in any one person would likely lead to a “god complex,” and ultimately lead to destruction.   

Should coaches be revered and applauded for their athletic exploits?  Yes.  But should they become bigger than the institution and be treated like deities?  No.  As the Romans knew and so many other cultures have discovered over the years, one man or woman should never become larger than the institution itself.  From a practical perspective, the fact that an institution is larger than one person provides great protection for the institution.  If an employee makes statements or acts in a manner inconsistent with the institution’s mission, that person’s employment can be terminated.  However, when one man becomes larger than the institution, his moments of glory and shame alike will equally be considered a part of the institution.    

Penn State University is currently suffering from a major moment of shame and embarrassment.  Joe Paterno was the head football coach at the university for well over forty years.  He has been idolized and in many respects, deified for his ability to coach football. He has guided his team to multiple national championships and up until now, has maintained a clean public image.  With that being said, Penn State is certainly experiencing the secondary effects of idolizing one man.  No matter what comes of the allegations, Paterno’s fall from glory is seen as a major misstep by Penn State University.  Because of his status, he is inextricably tied to the institution. I watched a news special that captured footage of Penn State’s campus and its students a few hours after Joe Paterno was fired.  They interviewed students and some of them said “Joe Paterno is a god,” while others said “Joe Paterno is Penn State.”  Needless to say, both statements are inaccurate and ridiculous.  Joe Paterno is part of an old guard that has dominated college sports for decades.  Bobby Bowden, Dean Smith and even Coach K are a part of this guard.  Again, this is not a knock on the men because they are blameless as to their wide following and great influence.  Likewise, it is safe to say these men made or make more money than the chancellors or presidents from each respective institution.  I would be willing to bet students who attend the schools, or the public-at-large, cannot name the chancellor or president at any of the schools but I am sure they could name the coaches.

If the allegations are true, the crimes Sandusky is charged with are egregious and deplorable.  I understand the public policy of our laws to be in place to protect those who cannot protect themselves.  It seems the relevant laws of Pennsylvania are not strict in terms of individual’s duties to report child abuse.  I have not conducted independent research on the laws governing the Penn State matter, but by all accounts, it appears Joe Paterno did not violate the law.  When he heard of the alleged abuse, he was only required to inform his supervisor.  Apparently, he informed his superior and fulfilled his legal obligation.  This raises yet another question.  At what point does an individual’s moral compass become the guiding force, even in the face of less stringent laws?  I believe Joe Paterno should have followed up with the proper authorities directly.  After all, the allegations, if true, are grotesque.  Because Joe Paterno had become such an “institution” and relevant laws were not strict it made the environment ripe for a “cover up.”  University administrators at schools across the country discover hazing during fraternity and sorority initiations all the time despite individuals’ best efforts to cover it up.  I am not buying that other members of Penn State were not aware of the allegations of child abuse. 

Again, minors are protected by the laws of this nation because they are unable to protect themselves. Think about it, states draft statutory rape laws because minors are deemed not to have the mental capacity to form the necessary intent to engage in a sexual act.  Convictions under these laws do not require intent from a defendant.  Conviction under these laws merely requires an act.  In the same vein as the statutory rape laws, it is sad and deplorable that Pennsylvania’s state laws failed to protect those children.  These laws also make it easy for individuals and institutions alike to wipe their hands and say, “I did what I was legally obligated to do.”  Yes, a person may satisfy the law but I believe we all have a moral compass that should guide us as well. My thoughts are certainly with the victims and their families of the alleged crimes.  I hope we have learned that we cannot deify men.  I also hope we stop creating environments where children can be abused and people can get off by saying: “legally, I did all what was required of me.” 

Peace