More Tragedy at State College-JoePa Dead At 85

thesportbank.net

I think for many of us we expected no less than a quick end for Joe Paterno once the Penn State sex abuse scandal unfolded and he was separated from his love, Penn State University.  Much like what happens when mates lose their best friend and life-long love, death often times soon follows.  The Penn State story and Joe Paterno's story is not over by any means.  For Joe Paterno, the pain and suffering of cancer, had to pale in comparison to what he felt about his separation from the school he loved and served all these years. 

Arguably, the greatest college football coach of all time, is now gone at 85 years of age.  His players are truly a testament to his greatness.  Not just the ones who ended up playing on Sundays in the NFL but the ones who live in communities across the nation.  These men learned many of the lessons of life, of character, of good will from the consummate teacher on the gridiron.  Joe Paterno's contribution to these men will live on and continue to influence both academics and athletics at Penn State University. 

Many believe that Joe's reputation as the shining light of college football was forever tarnished with the allegations and arrest of Jerry Sandusky, his long-time assistant coach and defensive coordinator.  That would be a shame.  There is no question that Joe Paterno made a mistake when his graduate assistant reported what he saw in the shower that day.  He should have followed up with his superiors, no question.  Why didn't he?  He trusted others to perform their duties and they failed.  Joe failed. 

I am sure that it hurt him immensely that he was fired in the fashion he was.  I am more convinced that failing to follow-up is what hurt him the most.  What robbed him of his will to fight the dreaded disease he contracted.  Fortunately for Joe, he will not have to suffer through what will certainly be an ugly and messy ordeal in the courtroom in the years ahead.  He will no longer have to hear everyone's commentary on what he should have or could have done to stop this dreadful and despicable experience at Penn State University. 

For me, I will remember the black hair, the thick glasses and white socks that roamed the sidelines at State College every Saturday in the fall.  I will remember the 409 wins at a Division I football school.  I will remember how happy I was when Joe and his Penn State Nittany Lions entered the Big Ten.  I will remember his signature wins bringing championships home to Penn State.  I will remember Linebacker U and all the special players who won them that reputation.  I will remember the man who I respected as the best of the best. 

I am thankful this Sunday in January that Joe will not have to suffer through the agony and pain of the Sandusky court hearings.  I am thankful for Joe Paterno and all he did for Penn State University, his players, the students and the community of State College.  His legacy will live on at Penn State and his contributions to his university and to the college game will forever be remembered and cherished.  Go with God Joe.