Paterno’s legacy shouldn’t be tarnished or forgotten

Let’s not get sidetracked now, people. I know that the death of Joe Paterno struck an emotional chord in all who are knowledgeable about this man’s career, and for those of you who it didn’t, I pity you. The man was a legend. His contributions to the realm of college football were insurmountable. Not only was he the one of the most decorated coaches in NCAA history, he was a man that held high standards and expectations from the players he coached. Paterno was adored, admired, and idolized by many. Far more loved than most coaches of any football team, for that matter. To not feel anything for the man is simply just heartless.

I know it is hard to believe that the man was as innocent in the recent tragic scandal that fell upon Penn State. Though, how many times have you been accused of knowing something that you really didn’t? Or how many times have you been blamed for something you had no part of? It can happen to anyone. I know that people will say to me that I’m ignorant, naïve, or something of the like. However, I just haven’t lost hope in all of society. I still believe there are people who are honest, innocent, and possess quality character; people like Joe Paterno. You could say that Paterno wasn’t any of these things. Fine, go ahead, be my guest, but let’s not forget his history and reputation before saying such rash things about the guy. He is a World War II veteran, a man that served this country that YOU live in, to fight for the freedoms that YOU enjoy. Sure, it is your right to believe and say whatever you want about JoePa but it doesn’t mean that you’re right, nor does it mean that I’m right. No one is, because we all have that luxury of thinking that which suits our morals, values, character, blah blah blah. Whatever.

So, with that, let me ask you this, who is the man who actually is facing charges in the crime against those boys and families? I can’t quite remember his name. I think it is something like Gerald, Jared, Gerard, or something like that. No, wait, it is Jerry Sandusky! That’s right. With all the fuss over Paterno and his part in the matter, I forgot the guy who we should actually be focusing on. It isn’t Paterno who stands before the jury pleading his case, yet we still speak of him as if he should be. Too much focus is being taken on Paterno that no one has even spoken a word about Sandusky lately. What is happening with his case? What is the update on the progress of his trial and sentencing? This is a possible 460-year sentence we are talking about, but people still haven’t uttered a word about him. Let him have his turn under the spotlight. Even though it isn’t the spotlight someone wishes to have, it is the one he deserves to be in.

Alright, I’m done ranting and being crazy. Now we can get back to seriousness. I admit, it is possible Joe Paterno might not have handled the situation appropriately or didn’t do all he could have to make sure justice was found, but he wasn’t alone. Think of the assistant coach who first brought the issue to Paterno. He could have gone to the proper authorities. Think of the athletic director that Paterno brought the matter to. It seems he turned the cheek as well. All three of these men allegedly knew of what was going on yet nothing was done? However, we choose just Paterno to ridicule and fire shots at. Is that fair?

I’m not trying to sway anyone any certain way in regards to the issue. I’m simply just stating that we should all look at the full picture and everyone that is involved rather than singling out the most popular of the bunch to pick on. I’m not condoning anything that happened, but I’m saying that all of the critics could handle it a bit more maturely.

Now, Joe Paterno, I’m sorry you had to go the way you did under the circumstances that you were in. I pay my respects to you as a coach, as a legend, and as a man for that matter. It is never easy to have a legend pass away. I am saddened to think that it was possibly because of all this nonsense that you aren’t still here today. Yet, I know that it’s probably better to be where you are now rather than having to deal with all these people meddling in your business to be put under constant ridicule. I pray you rest in peace. I hope that the storm passes and when the wind dies down justice is found for the victims and their families, Sandusky, Penn State, and for the Paterno family.