As a former youth and high-school athlete (who wasn't good enough to play in college), I can comment firsthand on the fact that the pyramid of power in any sports program (all the way down to the lower levels) is a tenet that is instilled from the first practice. You never question any coach (let alone any players) above you in the chain of command. They say with great power comes great responsibility, but in many cases, those with power abuse that responsibility. This happens in all walks of life (see: politics).
I foresee an immense increase in sexual abuse allegations towards coaches in the coming weeks/months/years, at all levels of sports. When that happens, all the people who are vilifying Mike McQueary for not doing more (when it's not yet clear what he did or didn't do to stop the one incident he witnessed), will all have to look upon their own friends and neighbors with suspicion, as this is likely a much more widespread problem than anyone cares to admit.
If this leads to greater funding for support for victims of sexual abuse, or at least greater awareness of the problem, then hopefully generations of future children can be better protected than those who have had to endure such abuses. It may very well lead to a dramatic decrease in voluntary participation on youth sports as well, which will have a ripple effect throughout high school and college sports for years to come, but if that protects children, that is an easy trade-off to make.
And lastly, if you see something, say something. First, attempt to stop it from happening, but after that, it doesn't matter to who- say something to everyone you meet. Make sure enough people know that even if you personally don't think you can make an impact (even though you can), make sure SOMEONE can. After all,
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph over good is for good men to do nothing."
-Edmund Burke
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