Bill Conlin Scandal: 2 More Accuse Philadelphia Sports Columnist Of Child Abuse

PHILADELPHIA -- Two more people have come forward claiming they were abused by a Philadelphia sports columnist who abruptly retired just before the publishing of a report alleging he abused young children decades ago.

The two women bring to six the total number of adults who say former Philadelphia Daily News columnist Bill Conlin molested them when they were younger.

Fifty-year-old Linda Stella tells the Daily News that Conlin molested her on two occasions at his New Jersey home. A second unidentified woman tells The Philadelphia Inquirer she was also abused at Conlin's home.

Conlin retired Tuesday, shortly before The Inquirer published a story online detailing allegations of abuse from three women and a man in the 1970s. Prosecutors say Conlin cannot be charged because the statute of limitations has expired.

Conlin has denied the allegations. A phone message left for Conlin's attorney was not immediately returned early Thursday.

Comments

[Joe The Nerd Ferraro]

12:20 AM on 12/24/2011

I would be interested in a quote from Steve Carlton on this.

[kasel1]

01:53 AM on 12/23/2011

People who wait forty years to make accusations are guilty of aiding the criminal. Sure, you can understand a child being frightened, but after you become an adult you need to speak out. One of the accusers in this case is a lawyer. What kind of lawyer lets criminals go unpunished for forty years and allows them to prey on more victims? Before you dolts accuse me of defending the pedophiles, let me add that the criminals should be punished as harshly as possible. But so should the people who stood silent and allowed them to continue.

[Michael Skiendzielewski]

11:18 PM on 12/22/2011

When will Rep. Ron Marsico, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, schedule hearings on the proposals of Reps. Bishop and McGeehan that were forwarded to him over 6 months ago? These proposals would eliminate the civil and criminal statutes of limitations as well as provide a “window” for civil action, regardless of the date of the alleged sexual assault.

Mr. Marsico, you are a father and grandfather. The choice is clear. You are either FOR the victims (in this case, Ms. Blanchett and others) or you are FOR the alleged perpetrators (Bill Conlin, sportswriter). Make a decision, Mr. Marsico. Are you interested, committed and/or care to protect the children of the Commonwealth in the New Year 2012 and the years ahead? These vital legislative proposals will provide better security and protection for PA children as well as ensure access to the legal system and courts when the victims are able to come forward.

Rep. Marsico, I am deeply concerned that the most recent allegations appear to have arisen from sports and athletic venues whether it be amateur, collegiate and in some instances, professional. Are you concerned as well, Mr. Marsico?

[TomMartin]

11:26 PM on 12/22/2011

You are sick. Child molestation is sick, not inspiring.

[rjollierroger]

08:50 PM on 12/22/2011

Like I said before, if it is true, time will tell.

[Surius Cat]

07:51 PM on 12/22/2011

FIRING SQUAD!!

[myviews]

06:46 PM on 12/22/2011

Pig!

[Ystorm]

06:31 PM on 12/22/2011

We need to ban men!

[Surius Cat]

07:50 PM on 12/22/2011

Not me! I love kids, and would never harm one!

[KarateKid]

07:55 PM on 12/22/2011

But...but...where will women get _sperm to procreate??

[Priestmill]

05:25 PM on 12/22/2011

I too am a victim of sexual abuse by Jesuit priests as a 13 yr.old ado in a Jesuit Semenary in England.I was "punished" for refusing to accept the Catholic catechism (dogma) as the teachings of God.I was laid over a desk in the principal's office and subjected to beatings on my naked butt on several occasions,plus being fondled and stroked by two priests while asking me if there was "not too much pain?"I soiled my underwear going home on several occasions and never felt so dirty in all my life,even hiding my underwear from my Mum.Finally I was expelled when I revolted and stuck a bunsen burner up my science (priest) teacher's robe,causing him great pain,but not as much as Iwas going through! I was not able to tell my Father the real story as he was a very dominant man,even beating my Mother on occasions.He kicked me all the way upstairs to my room then locked me in there for two days.He was a very strong Catholic believing priests were God's reps on Earth.Where was I to go?I could tell no-one at that time (1963),so I kept it all locked up until 2004,then after a lifetime hiding,remorse and total disregard for authourity.I reported it to the police in England,the British Crown decided not to prosecute on the grounds that the perpetrators were not medically fit to undergo questioning due to their age,90 and 92.Apology wanted.

[Mocha Blacque]

06:04 PM on 12/22/2011

Wow! I'm so sorry you (or any child) ever had to endure such a painful situation!

[myviews]

06:48 PM on 12/22/2011

Very sorry they did that. Maybe post their names and you'll get your apology.

[sakismomiam]

04:16 PM on 12/22/2011

Hard to believe anyone when they WAIT 10+ years.

[viking1969]

05:00 PM on 12/22/2011

A pyschologist you are not. A pyschiatrist you are not. A doctor you are not.

[rocknhula]

05:36 PM on 12/22/2011

Not true, Study Post Tramautic Stress Disorder.

[clarkkentdlyplnt]

03:44 PM on 12/22/2011

I was married 20 years before my wife started dropping hints of the abuse she suffered as a child. Mostly when a case like this makes the news.She has never REALLY opened up about what happened and I can understand, bur at times she lets her guard down and small details come out. I get the impression it started around age 7. She has NEVER mentioned it to a family member. She is very guarded about people in her life and has a lot of defense mechanisms in place. She doesn't trust much. I can't help feeling angry for her.

[NikitaAhn]

09:05 PM on 12/22/2011

Speaking as a survivor, I can understand her reluctance to talk about it. It's especially hard to reveal to intimate partners and spouses. You don't want them to see you like that, as a victim, dirty (in your mind), etc. You don't want them to see you differently. I don't mean to pry at all, but have you told your wife clearly that no matter what was done to her, you will always see her as beautiful, attractive, desirable, and the same woman you've always loved? Telling her that no matter what, you love her and BELIEVE her is so important. It's so scary to reveal this stuff because we internalize so much of the shame and guilt and we're so afraid we won't be believed.
(continued)

[TomMartin]

11:37 PM on 12/22/2011

Maybe she feels guilty for being beautiful. After all, had I been an ugly boy, then the molester might not have wanted to kidnap me. So I don't think telling her she is beautiful would have been the right solution.

[NikitaAhn]

09:05 PM on 12/22/2011

(continued)

It also might be helpful to gently, carefully ask her about it. I know for me, personally, it was almost impossible for me to bring it up or reveal details unprompted, because I didn't know how to say it or broach the subject. But when my girlfriend asked questions, I was able to answer them and it was a lot easier to reveal when I was responding to a question rather than bringing it up out of the blue. I WANTED her to ask because it took some of the strain off me. I, too, would drop hints when stories like this came up because it gave me an opening. being sure not to push her, of course, it might help your wife to lead the conversation some. Saying something like "I love and care about you and I want to know about what happened so I can support you and help you - is it okay if we talk about it? Would it be easier for you if I asked questions and you just answered?" might help. My girlfriend just said to me "I don't want you to have to carry this alone - I want to help. Can I ask you about what happened?" and it was the best thing she could have done for me. Obviously I don't know your wife or how SHE feels, it might be worth a shot.

[mmrdaisley]

03:43 PM on 12/22/2011

It is sad but not suprising that so many negative comments about people now coming forward .How many of you "men" would confess to such a thing? These were kids, and as always the abuser knows that no one is going to belive a child over some one who is well thought of in the community.Priest, policemen ,firemen ,teachers, they choose their professions well who is going to believe a child when they abuse them.It always happens that once one person comes forward another will get the courage to also come forward. paedophiles do not stop at 1 trust me they are many others out there who will never come forward because of the stigma and "blame the victim"mentality that has kept child abuse hidden for so long ,

[NikitaAhn]

09:08 PM on 12/22/2011

Well said. It's always so dismaying to see some of the comments on articles like this, usually from people who clearly have no idea the intense shame, pain, and fear one must overcome to reveal abuse like this. People also seem to forget that in cases like this, it also means having the whole COUNTRY and the media, and everyone you know, know your most terrible, devastating secret. NOT easy to do.

Pedophiles molest on average 260 victims in their lifetime - I'm sure more people were hurt by this monster, rather or not they come forward.

[istanbulite]

03:32 PM on 12/22/2011

And the beat goes on. More brave people will be coming forward to report sexual abuse by sports figures. One very brave Pennsylvania boy and his mom pushed the first domino and now there are a lot more to fall. Thanks to them.

[jimbo13134579]

03:32 PM on 12/22/2011

Obviously what is the most disturbing about these accusations is if they are true. The problem is thast if they are not true the accusation alone is enough to ruin someone for life and that is also a real tradegdy. I know that it happens but why all of a sudden is it coming out one after the other? I have to believe that in some cases it is a money grab and that is a real shame. Yes, lets go after the abusers with all we can. But, lets be sure.

[NikitaAhn]

09:12 PM on 12/22/2011

Usually it happens like this because one victim works up the courage to come forward and them other victims, realizing they aren't alone, are inspired to come forward as well. It's safety and strength in numbers. It's incredibly hard to come forward when it's just you - abusers condition you NOT to tell, and it's terrifying because you feel you won't be believed. But when you're suddenly not alone anymore, it makes it just a little easier (though still difficult) to tell someone.

When you come forward as a victim, your whole life is picked apart. You can be threatened, humiliated, everyone knows your most painful secret, and you have to discuss intimate, humiliating details of sexual victimization with people over and over again. It's a nightmare.

[jimbo13134579]

11:03 PM on 12/22/2011

NikitaAhn. Thanks for your reply to my note. I can only imagine, no I cant imagine being a victim of child abuse.I can certainly understand the victim of abuse being scared to come forward because so many times they are not believed particularly if the abuser is a trusted member of the family or someone in authority in school or the church. I have all the sympathy in the world for anyone who is abused but I also feel for those accused who are innocent because as I said, their lives are also ruined.

[david3830]

03:30 PM on 12/22/2011

Why does it seem to me that these people are all looking for cash.same as those from the Catholic church.Why wait 30 yrs to complain.

[rocknhula]

05:37 PM on 12/22/2011

Study PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and, repressed memory.

[Ystorm]

06:33 PM on 12/22/2011

many "repressed" memories are innaccurate and not real. i can make you believe anything i want just by talking to you long enough and often enough. i don't put much stock in 'repressed' memories at all. the memory is a fluid thing which can (and does) change as time goes on. memory is not a snapshot of an event.

[myviews]

06:50 PM on 12/22/2011

You are wrong.