I said this when the man passed away a few years ago and I'll say it again, Joe Paterno was a fantastic football coach. Is he the best ever? Probably, yes. It's hard to argue that, what with his win numbers and the quality of program he was able to build here. But something I also said a few years ago is that what you do on the field is insignificant to what you do off the field.
And in that regard, Paterno will forever be a complete failure.
After Penn State's bowl ban was lifted, I wrote that everyone, from faculty to student, was responsible for the atrocities that occurred here during former defensive coordinator Jerry Sanduky's tenure. That everyone was at fault for creating a culture so blind to everything but football that it formed the perfect habitat for this parasite to thrive. And I still very much believe that, now more than ever.
But Paterno is another matter in itself.
He SAW, first hand, the horrors being committed by Sandusky.
He could have made an impact.....he could have done something, anything to stop what was happening.
But he did nothing.
Joe Paterno could have stopped kids from getting raped.
Joe Paterno could have stopped kids from getting raped.
Joe Paterno could have stopped kids from getting raped.
Joe Paterno could have stopped kids from getting raped.
Joe Paterno could have stopped kids from getting raped.
Joe Paterno could have stopped kids from getting raped.
I say that multiple times so those people who still worship the man can't ignore it, like they so often do. You can argue with me about what Joe knew or did not know, but the fact of the matter is that he did not do enough with whatever information he did have. Not even close. He, and everyone else involved, valued football wins over the innocence of children.
Penn State fans can argue all they want.
They can argue that the NCAA was out to get Penn State.
They can argue that Paterno did all he could do.
That none of this was his fault.
It's all white noise.
White. F******. Noise.
Because in the end, Joe Paterno judged that 409 > 10.
That 409 football wins were worth more than 10 children's lives.
And that is what he'll be remembered by, no matter how many statues you erect.
409 is nothing more than a monument to all your sins Penn State. So eat your hearts out.
409 is nothing more than a monument to all your sins Penn State. So eat your hearts out.
10 > 409
Where's that bumper sticker, Penn State fans?
