PENN STATE AND PATERNO TO PART WAYS AFTER SEASON’S END
STATE COLLEGE, PA- What can you say about a legend? A legend has succeeded in some form or another in the field of his/her choice. A legend has a considerable amount of time participating and doing what he has dedicated himself to as well. A legend in some fashion, has a tremendous amount of respect coming from many in his related field and elsewhere on a grand scale. Recently, it seems as though clouds have been looming over the legend that is Pennsylvania State University’s head football coach, Joe Paterno. Although the scandal that has been occuring at the school for over the past nine years has been happening under the nose of Paterno, it is widely seen by many that his involvement in it was not directly and shares no role in its occurence.
Penn State’s longtime assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky, has been accused of sexually assaulting young boys in the university’s football locker room shower after all the players and officials have vacated the premises. Also, athletics director, Tim Curly, and senior vice president Gary Schultz, have been arrested with charges of perjury and the failure to report what they knew was occuring between Sandusky and the children. In a case of this magnitude, officials presiding over the Sandusky case tell the press that Paterno did what he was suppose to do, by following protocol of going to Curly regarding the matter when a youth sexual abuse was claimed to have taken place in the Lasch Football Building showers in March 2002. Although officials say that Paterno followed protocol by taking his concerns to coach Curly, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner, Frank Noonan, turned up the fire on Paterno by saying, “Paterno has failed in his moral responsibility to push further on the shower allegation”.
Joe Paterno arrived at Pennsylvania State University in 1950, as an assistant coach of 23 years of age. In 1966, he began head coaching for the university. Paterno has produced for the school, an undefeated season in 1994, and national championships in 1982 and 1986. Four years prior to these allegations, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, and his image is adorned in statues across the campus of Penn State. In the entire 52 year history of Beaver Stadium, Coach Paterno has been held as the head coach of Penn State’s football program.It is reported that Paterno will step down as head coach of Penn State football by the end of the season. Tuesday night, huge crowds gathered outside of his home for support and backing of the coach that they love and admire.
The Philosophy:
This is utterly rediculous. I believe the police commissioner has it out something personal for Joe Pa. I cannot understand why he is to be juggled around in the same jar as Sandusky and other officials who had personal ties to the sexual abuse that was occuring. Whatever the reason, Paterno did what he was suppose to do at the time, by following the protocol that he was so aware. I believe Sandusky should spend years behind the slammer without a chance for release. How can a lengthy time in jail cure a pedophile or someone who has a fascination with little boys in a sexual manner? It just cannot. I fully support Joe Paterno in this case, and I mean come on,the man is 84 years old. Let’s just let him stay and coach the remaining time that he is blessed to live on this earth, and continue his success at the school that he loves so dearly. I believe they owe that to him. All charges or claims or allegations against him need to be dropped, and everyone else who first hand, knew what had occured needs to be dealt with in a severe manner. Let Joe Pa stay, and coach his Nittany Lions to victory.
-Justin Gibson