No More Joe Pa

Penn State University’s legendary head coach Joe Paterno was fired along with university President Graham Spainer this week during the backlash from information released concerning allegations of child sex abuse involving former PSU defensive coach Jerry Sandusky. Paterno knew about Sandusky’s actions starting back in 2002, but never revealed his awareness of the incidents.

When the scandal broke Paterno announced his retirement, but with only three games left, PSU administration decided to fire him. After devoting 61 years of his life to the program, this is how they thank him?

In his retirement statement Paterno said “I have come to work every day for the last 61 years with one clear goal in mind: To serve the best interests of this university and the young men who have been entrusted to my care. I have the same goal today.’’

With his remarkable coaching legacy as one of the all-time greats, Paterno lead his team to 409 wins and two national championships, but now his journey ends on a fumble.

This man built a program and brought national titles to the university and deserves to finish out the season.

Although, he kept his mouth closed for over 15 years about a serious incident, his reason for doing so was to keep the university on top. This scandal will taint his legacy forever.

With their legendary head coach gone, the PSU locker room will never be the same. This is a huge distraction that has also affected the campus, something that Paterno didn’t want to happen.

Former assistant coach Sandusky, was the man who allegedly violated eight boys in the span of a decade.

Sandusky retired from coaching a year after the charge in 1999 and decided to devote his time to a charity called ''The Second Mile'', one he started to help troubled children.

This in fact is where he came in contact with the alleged victims. The school was aware of his activity and let him continue on. Where in this says anything about Joe Paterno?

According to administrators, letting him finish off the season would be a slap in the face to those children and their families that Sandusky violated.

Nowhere in that statement does it say Paterno violated anybody. After this, he may never be recognized for building the PSU organization into what it is today.

Students from Pennsylvania who go to PSU have much to say about Coach Paterno, and his legacy.

Showing up at Paterno’s house to show support wasn’t enough. Some students even started riots on campus and brutally trashed a TV news van after Paterno was fired.

Students gathered in front of Paterno’s house saying ‘’Let Joe stay.’’ Many individuals realize what this man has brought to this program and community, why cant the administration?

Since the incident, NCAA senators have rescinded their support on nominating Joe Paterno for Presidential Medal of Freedom.

In his retirement statement Paterno said, “My goals now are to keep my commitments to my players and staff and finish the season with dignity and determination. And then I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this University.”

Obviously all this man wanted in life was to stay connected with the program.