Thursday, November 10, 2011

The Worst Ending to the Best Career

Joe Paterno is (was?) the greatest college football coach of all time.  No one has more wins, no one has been doing it longer.  Unfortunately, this famed coaching career has now crashed and burned in the absolute worst way possible.
 Paterno's reputation would have been hampered, but not ruined, if something came out regarding just about anything else.   Maybe some recruiting violations or an academic scandal.  If some of his linebackers received a few cd players and a few meals, life would have went on.  I almost wish some of his players had stolen laptops.  But instead, we are left shocked and praying for the victims.  The Joe Paterno legacy is crumbling in front of our faces behind a child molestation scandal.  As more reports  come out, its looking more and more like the beloved Joe Pa knew some information.  Im not sure how much information will come out about who knew what, but to me its looking like Mr. Paterno tried to protect (and I hope try to help) a long time friend.  Unfortunately, Paterno's loyalty to his friend resulted in something that goes beyond friendship and even the Pennsylvania State University football program.  He lost control of the situation and chaos ensued.   

What really got me going was reading the jury report of Sanduskys case.  Some of his victims are the same age as the writers of this blog.  They have all been hurt more than anything any of us can imagine.  And it all comes back to Paterno.  Sure some other high profile individuals knew, but no one had as much power as Joe.  Joe is (was) Penn State.  He owns (owned) that place.  Anything he says (said) goes (went).  But the line has been drawn. Its over, the damage has been done to the victims.  So in the end, Im sad to see his career end the way it did, but am truly disappointed with Joe.

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