"I was very shocked," said Thomas, who played at Penn State from 1985 to 1989 before becoming the NFL's No. 2 overall draft selection in 1990 by the New York Jets. "But as you kept hearing the stories, there was too much smoke for there not to be some fire. I truly hate the fact that they tried to make it a Penn State thing when it's one individual."
Multiple phone messages left Friday and Saturday by USA TODAY Sports for several former Nittany Lion football players have not been returned.
MORE: Abuse case sheds light
However, Thomas, a Philadelphia native and member of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, is very forthcoming in his views. He said he didn't believe the school will suffer long-lasting repercussions from the fallout over Sandusky's conviction late Friday night.
"I don't think it's going to have a lingering effect at all," said Thomas, a Nittany Lions running back from 1985 to 1989. "You cannot judge a university for one person's illness or problem, or however you classify his state of mind. That's not a reflection on all of the good things that have come through that university or all the good people who have been part of the university.
"As a university, I think this will catapult us to a higher consciousness and we're going to support (anti-abuse) programs to continue to show that Penn Staters (are better than Sandusky's actions). This is one where we have to take our licks and keep on persevering in a positive manner."
Thomas, who retired from the NFL in 1995 after six seasons, said he avoided following the trial but believes that justice was served with a guilty verdict on 45 of 48 counts.
"Now the victims can move on with their lives and have some closure," he said. "We've got to move on. Now the healing process can start for all of us."
A dues-paying member of the Penn State football program's prestigious Letterman's Club, Thomas said he could not speak on behalf of his fellow former players. But, like many, the former Temple University assistant coach refuses to criticize Joe Paterno, even though the late Nittany Lions coach said before his death that he regretted not doing more in the aftermath of a shower incident involving Sandusky and a young boy that was reported to him. Paterno did inform his superiors.
"When something happens under your watch you have to take it up to the head coach," Thomas said. "He has to continue to take it up the chain (of command). Some people said that Joe should have done more, but he took it up to the president. In some cases, if you go over your superior, it can be looked at in a different (negative light)."
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomCollegeSports-TopStories/~3/uamIYGjg7aw/1
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