Paterno says that’s not what was he told. Nonetheless, whatever he was told (and we will never know exactly what) was relayed by Paterno to his superior as well as the police commissioner. He put the actual witness in touch with them as well. Additionally, Sandusky was not an employee by the time Paterno had any idea.
From the Grand Jury Report:
"Paterno called Tim Curley ("Curley"), Penn State Athletic Director and Paterno's immediate superior, to his home the very next day, a Sunday, and reported to him that the graduate assistant had seen Jerry Sandusky in the Lasch Building showers fondling or doing something of a sexual nature to a young boy." Was Paterno a direct witness? No. Did he have, "no idea"? I don't see how anybody could make that claim with a straight face.
Moreover, McQurry states that he did tell the details to Paterno.
Stop blowing smoke!