Sandusky Not Only Sicko At Penn State

Often, it is easy to understand what we should be doing by examining what we shouldn't be. Jerry Sandusky will go down in history for his heinous, disgusting and reprehensible behavior and actions while a football coach at Penn State. What the public doesn't know about the Nitanny Lions squad is that Sandusky isn't the only Penn State coach to have committed despicable acts, as Rene Portland stands a second close.

Who? That's the curious question most ask when you say her name. She is the winningest basketball coach in Penn State women's basketball history. Equally as noteworthy is her long track record of homophobic actions, words and culture which she fostered while at the helm of the Lady Lions squad. In this ESPN Outside The Lines montage of interviews, former players attest to the discriminatory environment that Portland pursued for 27 years as head coach.

Well wouldn't you know it ... 600 wins, 21 NCAA Tournament appearances including a Final Four trip, can make a lot go away. Shielded by administrators and other coaches including the formerly heroic Joe Paterno, Portland went unscathed for over two dozen years. She damaged the lives of multiple players including Cindy Davies and Jennifer Harris. What went wrong? Why was this allowed to happen? Did anyone stand up?

It is because sports, even in collegiate women's athletics, has stereotypes ingrained into its culture due to disgusting individuals like Portland. She was religious, traditional and wanted what was best for her girls ... These may be a few of the pathetic defenses Portland has used since being asked to leave Penn State, but non are sufficient.

History teaches us not to make mistakes of the past. Therefore, we should observe and learn from the example of the sad human being that Rene Portland is. She may never change or understand what LGBT have to offer the world of sports, but that is ok. We must do more than understand and fix, we must celebrate everyone who puts on a uniform.