Terry Pegula has the right to free speech, and the right to remain silent, like anyone else in this country. Broken down simply, he's a successful businessman who donated $88 million to Penn State for a new arena and a Division I hockey program. He's a proud alumnus and football fan intent on giving back to the university.

And that's all, really.

He's not obligated to speak up about Penn State's decision to fire legendary football coach Joe Paterno and university president Graham Spanier any more than he's compelled to discuss his relationship with athletic director Tim Curley, one of two administrators charged with perjury in the child-molestation case.

Keeping quiet is certainly within Pegula's rights.

But is it right?

Pegula has been a leader in our community since he purchased the Sabres last February and began changing the culture in Buffalo. He instilled a level of confidence and hope and credibility that had been missing. He has been clear about his passion and his commitment to doing things the right way.

He's also the father of five. His older son played hockey, so he knows the importance of parents trusting others with children. Pegula has been a man of integrity since he arrived. By all accounts over the past year or so, he's a good person from a good family with the best intentions. And that has not changed.

But he had an opportunity to send a strong message after the Penn State scandal broke last weekend and instead waited five days to release a prepared statement. It's his decision, but he could have spoken out passionately against despicable acts and admonish the university.

Pegula shouldn't be expected to solve Penn State's problems, but he could have provided more insight given his attachment to the university and his relationship with Buffalo. Pegula was one of the first people who came to mind when the story broke, immediately after the alleged victims and Paterno. On Thursday, Pegula issued this statement:

"The events that are unfolding at Penn State University are deeply troubling and a matter of great concern to me and my wife Kim. As many have expressed, our primary concern is for the individuals and families who may have been victimized.

"Penn State's reputation has been severely tarnished. We are encouraged to see the University trustees have begun the process of restoring integrity and trust in the institution. This process will take a period of time and trust will need to be re-earned as a result of these recent disclosures.

"Penn State is supported by millions of students, alumni, faculty, staff and administrators. Our own support for Penn State and its hockey program is well known and will continue. We expect the University will carry out its educational mission with high standards and integrity."

Are you satisfied? Am I satisfied? I don't know. He addressed the issues, sort of. It's always better to hear emotion that comes with someone's voice.

Pegula declined interview requests that poured into the Sabres this week. His decision to keep quiet for a day or two, with the scandal unfolding around him, was understandable. Anyone could appreciate his need to digest an overwhelming situation before making a comment.

Perhaps he didn't want to say anything because Penn State had enough problems and he didn't feel it was his place. Or maybe he wanted to see how the school handled the controversy. Hey, I get it.

Understand, this isn't a media issue. It has nothing to do with having an exclusive interview or getting the story first. These days, a scoop lasts five minutes. Perhaps he could have answered a few questions and shared his thoughts with the people rather than issue a statement.

Was he shocked, like most people, when the story broke? Was he saddened, angry, worried, embarrassed or all of the above? Did he regret, knowing what he knows now, giving Penn State the money? Did he have different views as an alumnus, as a philanthropist, as a father?

What did he think of top aide Cliff Benson's connection to the Second Mile foundation that former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, accused of molesting eight boys over 15 years, founded for at-risk children? Did they have any relationship with Sandusky or have suspicions about him? Can he clarify?

Benson, who to me seems like an affable guy with a good sense of humor, also was unavailable. Why?

Pegula could have called a news conference or, if that wasn't possible, set up a conference call. The organization has said many times it wants to be more transparent with open lines of communication. Presumably, it meant in good times and bad.

His prepared statement addressed certain issues, but I'm not sure it was the right message. It wasn't what I expected from someone known for his human touch and strong leadership. Leaders immediately stand up in the face of turmoil and speak against what they perceive as wrongdoing or, in this case, much worse.

Penn State learned the hard way this week.

Unfortunately, it was too late.

bgleason@buffnews.comnull