“Lest he without sin cast the first stone!”

I am a huge college football fan. During the college football season, on a Saturday afternoon, you will find me in front of the TV from noon until after 2am watching football, unless I’ve gone to a sports bar to watch. Again, a huge fan. I feel the kids play with much more zeal while in college; it’s less about money and more for school pride, the team and of course the coach. Which brings me to my point:

Joe Paterno is the reason why so many young men and even some young women have attended Penn State. He is an institution and the football players are definitely there to play for Joe Pa, no other reason. I understand Penn State is a great school, but Joe put them on the proverbial map. He’s been on campus for 62 years, 46 as head football coach, he deserved more than a phone call informing him of his termination, he deserved a face-to-face from whomever was required to let him go.

Was termination needed? Yes, of course it was. In 2002 he was informed of some improprieties of a member of his staff, illegal, and he never took it further that the school AD. A definite misjudgment on his part. How do you not look out for boys that may not be in a position to look out for themselves, how do you not report the allegations to police, how do you not confront your staff member? He fucked up and should be held accountable for his non-actions, but there are many more people at fault here, people who should also be held accountable. To end Paterno’s career in such a way on such a note is a terrible blow to that institution. I feel for those seniors who will not have Senior Day with their coach and mentor. I feel for the young men abused, as a victim myself. I feel sorry for the school and the black eye they will suffer through for some time. So many lose here.

One question though. Does Joe Pa now suffer the same as Andy Rooney? He’s been Penn State football for 62 years and finds himself without a job without a daily task at 84 years old. Does he die in a few weeks same as Rooney did after retiring from CBS?