Gov. Corbett Saddened But Circumspect As Penn State Scandal Unfolds
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Governor Tom Corbett says he is "disappointed" by the lack of action on the part of Penn State officials who handled the allegations of child sex abuse that are shaking the school to its foundations.
The governor prefaced everything by saying he could not comment on the probe because of his role in it while attorney general, and said he would not comment on what he thinks should happen to PSU president Graham Spanier until he meets with the board of trustees, of which he is a member.
But Corbett -- appearing at a scheduled event to sign legislation making texting while driving a "primary" offense in Pennsylvania -- paused for a good ten seconds before responding to a question about whether head coach Joe Paterno had a moral responsibility to do more than he did.
"There is a legal issue, there is a moral issue," Corbett told reporters today. "I was... I am personally disappointed in the lack of action, and [I have] had to contain that for the last two-plus years."
About the pending retirement of Paterno, the governor would say only that it is unfortunate that it is taking place under the cloud that exists, and called it "a sad day."
Reported by KYW Harrisburg bureau chief Tony Romeo
