Paul Suhey

[BisonLion15]

I've been reading this board for probably ten years now, but just never felt compelled to post anything - until now.

Last week I noticed the thread that displayed an intense vitriol against Paul Suhey, upon learning of HIS SON passing out his peppers at the Houston Penn State gathering.

Just so you all know, I just moved to Houston upon graduation (and watch every game at the PSAA Houston game viewing party) and Paul Suhey Jr is someone I know personally. I can say without a doubt that the is the perfect Penn Stater. There are very few people I know more that are more intelligent or driven. He could've easily gone to any school in the country, but chose to go to Penn State. Since moving to Houston, he has been a successful engineer and, in addition, has a part time entrepreneurial hobby selling his Gourmet Suhey Peppers. He was very much looking forward to sharing his passion with fellow Penn Staters, before being ousted by the few pitch fork bearing fans that have nothing better to do than to tear an innocent kid down.

I understand and agree, his father was gutless in handling the whole debacle. But why should his son suffer from his fathers actions?
I understand how one could misconstrue Paul Suhey Sr from Paul Suhey Jr.
I get that - an easy mistake to make. I would have thought that Penn State fans would know better than any to examine all the facts, first, and not jump to conclusions. How hypocritical can you be?
Further, just think about it for a minute. Why would a very successful doctor that lives in PA travel down to Houston to give out peppers? Use some common sense first before throwing around death threats (Lane).
Lane and Marshall 30, after reading your comments, you sound like a couple of losers. Paul Jr is a better representative of what it means to be a Penn Stater than you may ever wish to be.

Grow up, move on, and explore all the facts before jumping to conclusions. And, separately, do it with class - use Joe Pa's life as a positive, and think about what he would say.

 

[Marshall30]

I've been reading this board for probably ten years now, but just never felt compelled to post anything - until now.

Last week I noticed the thread that displayed an intense vitriol against Paul Suhey, upon learning of HIS SON passing out his peppers at the Houston Penn State gathering.

Just so you all know, I just moved to Houston upon graduation (and watch every game at the PSAA Houston game viewing party) and Paul Suhey Jr is someone I know personally. I can say without a doubt that the is the perfect Penn Stater. There are very few people I know more that are more intelligent or driven. He could've easily gone to any school in the country, but chose to go to Penn State. Since moving to Houston, he has been a successful engineer and, in addition, has a part time entrepreneurial hobby selling his Gourmet Suhey Peppers. He was very much looking forward to sharing his passion with fellow Penn Staters, before being ousted by the few pitch fork bearing fans that have nothing better to do than to tear an innocent kid down.

I understand and agree, his father was gutless in handling the whole debacle. But why should his son suffer from his fathers actions?
I understand how one could misconstrue Paul Suhey Sr from Paul Suhey Jr.
I get that - an easy mistake to make. I would have thought that Penn State fans would know better than any to examine all the facts, first, and not jump to conclusions. How hypocritical can you be?
Further, just think about it for a minute. Why would a very successful doctor that lives in PA travel down to Houston to give out peppers? Use some common sense first before throwing around death threats (Lane).
Lane and Marshall 30, after reading your comments, you sound like a couple of losers. Paul Jr is a better representative of what it means to be a Penn Stater than you may ever wish to be.

Grow up, move on, and explore all the facts before jumping to conclusions. And, separately, do it with class - use Joe Pa's life as a positive, and think about what he would say.

Don't like it, don't read it.

 

[Sharkies]

The one thing my father always told me .... Don't do anything that would ruin the family name.

Paul Jr might very well be as swell of a guy as you say. The problem is, his family's name is rightly tarnished.

Sorry.

 

[psuro]

If you are a member of the Houston PSAA, then you know that Jen Lemanski admitted to miscommunicating whom was going to be invited to the watch party.

She specifically said, in her letter, that she was not aware of Paul Suhey's actions (her words, not mine). She admitted to making the mistake of not specifically saying it was Paul Suhey's son - not Paul - who was doing the Pepper tasting event. She even thanked everyone who reached out to ensure "the chapter does the right thing". (Again, her words, not mine).

I would suggest you take a look at the letter Jen sent out, and as you said - make sure to explore the facts.

 

[dwiz]

Why would penn staters want to support the suhey family? Who gets the money from the sale of the peppers? It's the father's company, correct? Last thing I would want anyone to do is support that guy. They can hawk their peppers to non penn staters.

 

[Obliviax]

Yeah...I thought that too (but have no connection to Mr. Suhey at all). But honestly, I have mixed emotions.

First, there is another "prefect Penn Stater" that was horribly hurt by misplaced accusations...many of those accusations came from the senior Suhey. But, as you say, it was Suhey jr. Got it, check...but other Paterno's were hurt by those accusations as well: His son's and daughters.

In the end, I hope that Suhey Jr. wasn't hurt too bad by these shenanigans. And, on the bright side, I hope Suhey Sr was. Message sent. Do you think they heard it?

"Grow up, move on, and explore all the facts before jumping to conclusions." Cuts both ways. I am sure Suhey Jr. recieved a ton of perks and advantages by being a Suhey. Good for him. But that's a knife that cuts both ways too. Did you scold him like you are doing us?

So I do have mixed emotions. Two wrongs don't make a right (but three lefts do). But Suhey Jr. needs to have a talk with Suhey, Sr. Right isn't right until its put right. Moving on won't do that, and it won't help Suhey Jr, just like posting on a message board won't

 

[BisonLion15]

If you are a member of the Houston PSAA, then you know that Jen Lemanski admitted to miscommunicating whom was going to be invited to the watch party.

She specifically said, in her letter, that she was not aware of Paul Suhey's actions (her words, not mine). She admitted to making the mistake of not specifically saying it was Paul Suhey's son - not Paul - who was doing the Pepper tasting event. She even thanked everyone who reached out to ensure "the chapter does the right thing". (Again, her words, not mine).

I would suggest you take a look at the letter Jen sent out, and as you said - make sure to explore the facts.

I saw the letter, and spoke to her at the event. She made a mistake "(a big one!)"
But that wasn't really the point I was trying to make.

 

[Doc-M]

Sr. is the one who wronged Penn State not Jr. We as Penn Staters should respect the rest of the family anyway. There is no way the family legacy is tarnished. At best one may put asterisk on the name with a footnote.

 

[JoeDidntKnow]

I've been reading this board for probably ten years now, but just never felt compelled to post anything - until now.

Last week I noticed the thread that displayed an intense vitriol against Paul Suhey, upon learning of HIS SON passing out his peppers at the Houston Penn State gathering.

Just so you all know, I just moved to Houston upon graduation (and watch every game at the PSAA Houston game viewing party) and Paul Suhey Jr is someone I know personally. I can say without a doubt that the is the perfect Penn Stater. There are very few people I know more that are more intelligent or driven. He could've easily gone to any school in the country, but chose to go to Penn State. Since moving to Houston, he has been a successful engineer and, in addition, has a part time entrepreneurial hobby selling his Gourmet Suhey Peppers. He was very much looking forward to sharing his passion with fellow Penn Staters, before being ousted by the few pitch fork bearing fans that have nothing better to do than to tear an innocent kid down.

I understand and agree, his father was gutless in handling the whole debacle. But why should his son suffer from his fathers actions?
I understand how one could misconstrue Paul Suhey Sr from Paul Suhey Jr.
I get that - an easy mistake to make. I would have thought that Penn State fans would know better than any to examine all the facts, first, and not jump to conclusions. How hypocritical can you be?
Further, just think about it for a minute. Why would a very successful doctor that lives in PA travel down to Houston to give out peppers? Use some common sense first before throwing around death threats (Lane).
Lane and Marshall 30, after reading your comments, you sound like a couple of losers. Paul Jr is a better representative of what it means to be a Penn Stater than you may ever wish to be.

Grow up, move on, and explore all the facts before jumping to conclusions. And, separately, do it with class - use Joe Pa's life as a positive, and think about what he would say.

Paul Jr is quite possibly the worst PSU grad and the biggest embarrassment to the Grand Experiment ever

 

[BisonLion15]

Yeah...I thought that too (but have no connection to Mr. Suhey at all). But honestly, I have mixed emotions.

First, there is another "prefect Penn Stater" that was horribly hurt by misplaced accusations...many of those accusations came from the senior Suhey. But, as you say, it was Suhey jr. Got it, check...but other Paterno's were hurt by those accusations as well: His son's and daughters.

In the end, I hope that Suhey Jr. wasn't hurt too bad by these shenanigans. And, on the bright side, I hope Suhey Sr was. Message sent. Do you think they heard it?

"Grow up, move on, and explore all the facts before jumping to conclusions." Cuts both ways. I am sure Suhey Jr. recieved a ton of perks and advantages by being a Suhey. Good for him. But that's a knife that cuts both ways too. Did you scold him like you are doing us?

So I do have mixed emotions. Two wrongs don't make a right (but three lefts do). But Suhey Jr. needs to have a talk with Suhey, Sr. Right isn't right until its put right. Moving on won't do that, and it won't help Suhey Jr, just like posting on a message board won't

Always enjoy your posts, obliviax.
I briefly talked to Suhey Jr and he was disappointed, I'm sure his father knows what happened (so, if anything, there's one positive). I still hint at him that I do not agree with his fathers actions, but there's no need for me to vilify him for that, he is his own person. I felt bad for him.

 

[tboyer]

Every time I hear "move on" I get angry. I wish people could, for a few years at least, avoid using that phrase because it is so connected with the PSU BOT and their defense of the Freeh Report and the NCAA sanctions.

The people who didn't "move on" did us all a service by bring to light Freeh's misconduct and forcing the NCAA to abandon the sanctions.

 

[Obliviax]

Always enjoy your posts, obliviax.
I briefly talked to Suhey Jr and he was disappointed, I'm sure his father knows what happened (so, if anything, there's one positive). I still hint at him that I do not agree with his fathers actions, but there's no need for me to vilify him for that, he is his own person. I felt bad for him.

Fair enough. I hope Suhey Jr. has a long and happy life. I hope he does something with his good fortune to help set things strait. And while I don't know him and don't wish ill of him, I won't respect him until he comes out with a supporting statement of Joe and the Paterno family. I understand why he kept quiet this long....but its time. Please convey those sentiments for me.

Thank you....and yours was a well thought out and meaningful post...we will have to agree to disagree.

 

[Obliviax]

Spot on Obliv!

So many, many keepers of the status quo just want us to move on. This university and university community will not be moving anywhere until we have completely examined the events of the past and everyone's roll in it.

Thanks...reminds me of an old line:

"Giving your word is an interesting thing because you don't get it back until you keep it."

 

[Zenophile]

Ms. Lemanski is deserving of much credit. Had I been in her position and someone/anyone outside of the active membership attempted to disrupt one of our planned events, my response would have been decidedly less diplomatic.

 

[LaJolla Lion]

It's pretty odd to me how those who profess to backing Joe have different standards than he did. If Joe were alive today, would he really go after the family members of those that screwed him? I doubt it.

 

[Marshall30]

Paul "The Piper" Suhey picked a peck of pickled peppers. Where were they picked? At Paul Srs. Business.

 

[Obliviax]

It's pretty odd to me how those who profess to backing Joe have different standards than he did. If Joe were alive today, would he really go after the family members of those that screwed him? I doubt it.

Agree...but people hardly have "gone after" anyone named Suhey. Its not like people are protesting at his place of business or boycotting his pickled peppers. They are suggesting that a PSU support group is not the appropriate place for the son of someone who screwed the university out of $100m and our brand. Perhaps that isn't fair. But being born of the Suhey family, for all of the GOOD things that he has enjoyed from it, isn't fair either then.

 

[nitnyheel]

Always enjoy your posts, obliviax.
I briefly talked to Suhey Jr and he was disappointed, I'm sure his father knows what happened (so, if anything, there's one positive). I still hint at him that I do not agree with his fathers actions, but there's no need for me to vilify him for that, he is his own person. I felt bad for him.

I don't know the Suheys and hate witch hunts. But, the Houston PSAA also had an opportunity to say, "Look, you crazy internet folks, Paul Suhey, Jr. is doing the pepper tasting, not his father. We apologize for any miscommunication. Paul Suhey, Jr. is Houston resident, a member of our local PSAA chapter and a fellow Penn Stater. One of the many roles of the PSAA is to support its alumni. Therefore, we, the Houston Chapter, welcome Paul Suhey, Jr. and any Penn Stater to join us this Saturday for the PSU vs. OSU game and a wonderful tasting opportunity."

Yet, the leadership caved under "outside pressure." Familiar theme, huh?

 

[Zenophile]

I have to wonder: This is the same Board that had no difficulty in making the distinction between Joe and Jay Paterno, right?

 

[psu00]

I saw the letter, and spoke to her at the event. She made a mistake "(a big one!)"
But that wasn't really the point I was trying to make.

Yes but you conveniently glossed over the main point. The notice from the Houston alumni chapter said Paul Suhey. That's what people reacted too. I think it was later that day or the next day that the chapter president clarified issues (and she's to be commended for being honest and trying to fix a problem). I didn't follow the thread after that was clarified so I don't know how long it continued but the ire was clearly directed at Sr from what I saw.

I wish Jr well but let's not act like some massive business contract was ruined. It was a pepper tasting at a Houston alumni association game viewing party- correct? Hardly earth shattering.

That said, the Suhey family has nothing to bitch about unless we are going to grant them a massive double standard. We should just now follow the Suhey (Sr) motto and just tell them to forget it and "move on". Right?

Since everything has now been clarified by the Houston chapter president, I'm going to bet the Penn State Houston alumni make it up to him and treat Subey Jr much better than Suhey Sr did to the university and its alumni.

 

[Zenophile]

I don't know the Suheys and hate witch hunts. But, the Houston PSAA also had an opportunity to say, "Look, you crazy internet folks, Paul Suhey, Jr. is doing the pepper tasting, not his father. We apologize for any miscommunication. Paul Suhey, Jr. is Houston resident, a member of our local PSAA chapter and a fellow Penn Stater. One of the many roles of the PSAA is to support its alumni. Therefore, we, the Houston Chapter, welcome Paul Suhey, Jr. and any Penn Stater to join us this Saturday for the PSU vs. OSU game and a wonderful tasting opportunity."

Yet, the leadership caved under "outside pressure." Familiar theme, huh?

This was a leader who took personal responsibility for the miscommunication. This bears no resemblance whatsoever to any "leader" Penn State has produced since November 2011.

 

[LaJolla Lion]

Agree...but people hardly have "gone after" anyone named Suhey. Its not like people are protesting at his place of business or boycotting his pickled peppers. They are suggesting that a PSU support group is not the appropriate place for the son of someone who screwed the university out of $100m and our brand. Perhaps that isn't fair. But being born of the Suhey family, for all of the GOOD things that he has enjoyed from it, isn't fair either then.

Maybe 4-5 generations of Suhey's should be shunned from all things PSU?

 

[4INSBU]

Too bad so sad. I am glad what went down. They need to feel some pain.

 

[Aoshiro]

According to the PA Department of State website, Paul Suhey Sr is listed as the President of Suhey Peppers. The corporate HQ is his house in Boalsburg.
I don't have anything against Paul Jr, but I think that there are a lot of Penn Staters who don't want to be financially supporting Paul Sr by buying Suhey Peppers.

If Paul Jr wants to support/participate in his father's business venture, then I'm not going to feel sorry for him when he gets a negative reaction.

 

[BisonLion15]

Too bad so sad. I am glad what went down. They need to feel some pain.

If it makes you feel better about yourself to direct your anger at innocent people, go ahead. But an easy comparison of hypocrisy can be made here...

 

[FHSPSU67]

It should be pointed out that Steve & Ginger Suhey, Paul Sr."s father and mother, as well as Paul Sr.'s brothers, Matt and Larry are honored members of the Penn State family. Paul Sr. is the "bad apple".

 

[Aoshiro]

I don't know the Suheys and hate witch hunts. But, the Houston PSAA also had an opportunity to say, "Look, you crazy internet folks, Paul Suhey, Jr. is doing the pepper tasting, not his father. We apologize for any miscommunication. Paul Suhey, Jr. is Houston resident, a member of our local PSAA chapter and a fellow Penn Stater. One of the many roles of the PSAA is to support its alumni. Therefore, we, the Houston Chapter, welcome Paul Suhey, Jr. and any Penn Stater to join us this Saturday for the PSU vs. OSU game and a wonderful tasting opportunity."

Yet, the leadership caved under "outside pressure." Familiar theme, huh?

Paul Jr was going to do the tasting for Suhey Peppers, a company whose president is Paul Suhey Sr, the guy who told Erickson get out his tractor and drag Paterno's statue away.
The Houston chapter can do whatever it wants, but let's not pretend that this event was not for Paul Sr's benefit.

 

[psuro]

It's pretty odd to me how those who profess to backing Joe have different standards than he did. If Joe were alive today, would he really go after the family members of those that screwed him? I doubt it.

Well, considering that the individual who is the center of this situation admitted to not providing the complete picture so that those with whom she was communicating with could only react on what was told.....


Wait a second.....I think I have heard something like that before.....around November 2011....hmmmm...can't quite place my finger on it.....

 

[Ten Thousan Marbles]

Maybe 4-5 generations of Suhey's should be shunned from all things PSU?

Well, we have been told that some Suhey's have shunned some other Suhey's since the events o 11/11.

Hows about we do not conveniently forget that now?

 

[Aoshiro]

It's pretty odd to me how those who profess to backing Joe have different standards than he did. If Joe were alive today, would he really go after the family members of those that screwed him? I doubt it.

I don't see it as going after family members of Paul Suhey. People were incorrectly led to believe that it was Paul Sr who was going to make an appearance. That's the chapter's fault (and they have owned that) not the fault of the people who read the email.
But in any case, the event was to promote products produced by PAUL SR's company, so the ire was not really misplaced.

Go here and search for "Suhey Peppers"" https://www.corporations.pa.gov/Search/CorpSearch

 

[manatree]

 

[Obliviax]

Maybe 4-5 generations of Suhey's should be shunned from all things PSU?

Perhaps they should make a public statement if they want the public to support their endeavors off of the "Suhey" name. Capitalizing on a famous name has its benefits....and its problems. I have no idea what Suhey Peppers are but they are clearly trying to use their association with PSU to jump start the product. If they want to associate PSU to Suhey, they have to be willing to understand the entire picture.

Again, I don't really care much...but I get it. I understand why people would be upset with the Suhey name. And I understand why some erstwhile innocent person trying to leverage the Suhey name should be surprised if that "brand" doesn't entirely work for them any longer.

For example, I've got no problem with VW gasoline engines. But they did hurt their brand with the whole diesel engine lying thingy. I doubt they will be shocked if the rest of the brand suffers (in fact, they are expecting it).

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Ms. Lemanski is deserving of much credit. Had I been in her position and someone/anyone outside of the active membership attempted to disrupt one of our planned events, my response would have been decidedly less diplomatic.

Yeah, I'm with you on this. Certainly, Ms. Lemanski's failure to clarify *which* Paul Suhey was going to be at their event was an error (though one she probably never considered given few alums are as engaged, informed, and angered as those on this board and others paying extremely close attention), but wouldn't the better course of action to have Suhey there and express your issues with his father, and/or ignore him completely? I get most aren't that forgiving here, but what happened seems a bit much. Just my opinion.

EDIT: I am also not a fan of how Suhey Peppers uses Penn State Football to promote their brand. From their website:

With a large family rich in Penn State football history, Ginger was delighted to offer her peppers to the throngs of hungry people gathering around the home for football tailgates. The peppers were such a hit that Ginger and son Larry expanded their production from Ginger’s small kitchen into her son Paul’s much larger garage.

 

[Zenophile]

I don't see it as going after family members of Paul Suhey. People were incorrectly led to believe that it was Paul Sr who was going to make an appearance. That's the chapter's fault (and they have owned that) not the fault of the people who read the email.
But in any case, the event was to promote products produced by PAUL SR's company, so the ire was not really misplaced.

Go here and search for "Suhey Peppers"" https://www.corporations.pa.gov/Search/CorpSearch

One could easily argue that readers incorrectly assumed it was Paul Sr.

So kudos once again to the Chapter leadership who elected to assume responsibility for the mistake.

 

[Aoshiro]

Perhaps they should make a public statement if they want the public to support their endeavors off of the "Suhey" name. Capitalizing on a famous name has its benefits....and its problems. I have no idea what Suhey Peppers are but they are clearly trying to use their association with PSU to jump start the product. If they want to associate PSU to Suhey, they have to be willing to understand the entire picture.

Again, I don't really care much...but I get it. I understand why people would be upset with the Suhey name. And I understand why some erstwhile innocent person trying to leverage the Suhey name should be surprised if that "brand" doesn't entirely work for them any longer.

For example, I've got no problem with VW gasoline engines. But they did hurt their brand with the whole diesel engine lying thingy. I doubt they will be shocked if the rest of the brand suffers (in fact, they are expecting it).

FFS

SUHEY PEPPERS IS PAUL SR'S COMPANY.
PAUL JR DECIDED TO REPRESENT HIS FATHER'S COMPANY.
PENN STATERS DON'T LIKE PAUL SR.
PAUL JR SHOULD PROBABLY HAVE THOUGHT OF THAT WHEN HE DECIDED TO REP HIS DAD'S COMPANY.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

FFS

SUHEY PEPPERS IS PAUL SR'S COMPANY.
PAUL JR DECIDED TO REPRESENT HIS FATHER'S COMPANY.
PENN STATERS DON'T LIKE PAUL SR.
PAUL JR SHOULD PROBABLY HAVE THOUGHT OF THAT WHEN HE DECIDED TO REP HIS DAD'S COMPANY.

Your point is well taken, but from folks who are members of the Houston PSAA Chapter, how many protested or demanded the event be cancelled? Maybe the OP can chime in. Just curious though my guess is few, if any from the chapter, really cared that much.

 

[Agoodnap]

Here is the link to their website with the "History" page open.

http://www.suheypeppers.com/history/

"With a large family rich in Penn State football history, Ginger was delighted to offer her peppers to the throngs of hungry people gathering around the home for football tailgates."

This family does not get a pass...ever.

 

[Aoshiro]

EDIT: I am also not a fan of how Suhey Peppers uses Penn State Football to promote their brand. From their website:

With a large family rich in Penn State football history, Ginger was delighted to offer her peppers to the throngs of hungry people gathering around the home for football tailgates. The peppers were such a hit that Ginger and son Larry expanded their production from Ginger’s small kitchen into her son Paul’s much larger garage.

I don't have any problem with them doing that. They had a right to be proud of their family's contributions to Penn State. But if you're going to use Penn State football as a marketing tool, don't cry like little babies when Penn State football fans don't want anything do with a company that's owned by a guy who demanded that Erickson tear down Paterno's statue.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

I don't have any problem with them doing that. They had a right to be proud of their family's contributions to Penn State. But if you're going to use Penn State football as a marketing tool, don't cry like little babies when Penn State football fans don't want anything do with a company that's owned by a guy who demanded that Erickson tear down Paterno's statue.

To be fair, I haven't heard anyone from the family cry about this. So far, only the OP has raised his disappointment.

 

[Hotshoe]

Too bad so sad. I am glad what went down. They need to feel some pain.

This is the kind of thought that poisons one self. Remember, families have children who are totally innocent and have no idea what takes place around them. Why hate on people that had nothing to do with anything? Hold those that are responsible, period.