Remembering Paterno
Legendary Penn. State head coach Joe Paterno passed away last week due to complications with lung cancer at the age of 85. As family, friends, and fans mourn the loss; how to handle honoring him is still up in the air.
Paternos’ funeral brought a public viewing as so many fans of Penn. State wanted to pay respect to the man that has been at the school for 62 years, head coach for 46. The fans said Joe was more of a “man of the people.” Most college coaches tend to walk on water at their respected schools.
Paterno was fired on November 9th by the board of trustees for not turning over information about his former assistant sexually assaulting children in Penn. State facilities.
Although Paterno was not involved in the sexual abuse. He did not turn over information to the authorities after an equipment manager told him
Many of the fans at Penn State have much anger over the firing of Paterno. Some believed coaching is what kept him alive for so long. I understand their anger, but I don’t believe it is totally justified.
“I don’t believe his legacy is tarnished. He still will be remembered as a great coach.” said senior Josh Kindzia.
Yes I agree he was one of the greatest coaches in college football history. Strictly speaking about his coaching career, he is a hall of famer without a doubt (inducted in 2007 to the College Football Hall of Fame).
But he will never be remembered just for his coaching now. By many who knew him, I’m sure he will be remembered as a great man. But those who weren’t involved in the situation or don’t know sports would see him as a criminal.
“He wasn’t involved with the sexual harassment. Yes I agree he didn’t turn in the information. But he shouldn’t be remembered for aiding a sex offender.” said senior Haley Lundquist.
They all go hand in hand. The general public likes things that they can get into. They are more likely to remember someone for one bad thing they did than the lifetime of success. That is all it takes for your reputation to be ruined.
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5 comments:
I dont know much about football or how ood Paterno was, but he sounds like a good coach. However, regaurdless if he is a good coach, a "good coach" would want to keep their job and turn in a criminal. Not help one out, because I know I am not famous and if I watched someone murder someone and didnt tell the odds of me getting arrested are way higher than a coach for a football team.
This is a great article Jack! You're Right it is controversial and I think feelings will be up in the air for a while.
This is a great article Jack! You're right this is very controversial and feelings will be up in the air for a while.
This is a great article Jack. It is a contraversial topic and will be discussed for a long time. I think his legacy should be tarnished. When he should have done something that would help young kids, he did nothing.
Joe Paterno should be remembered for what he did at Penn State, and not why he was fired. From what I know, he was a great coach and that's how he should be remembered.
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