A troubled legacy — how to remember Joe Paterno?
Joe Paterno, legendary and recently disgraced former head coach of Penn State football, has died at the age of 85. How will he be remembered? How should he be remembered?
Joe Paterno, legendary and recently disgraced former head coach of Penn State football, has died at the age of 85.
How will you rememberPaterno? Tell us below.
Paterno was the winningest coach in college football history and seen for most of his career by students, alumni and peers as a symbol of honor and respect at the university. However, Paterno’s failure to report to law enforcement allegations of child sex abuse involving former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky forever blackened his reputation.
Diagnosed with lung cancer just days after his firing from the football program, and suffering from a broken hip, the man himself seemed to deteriorate just as quickly.
He died in State College on Sunday morning, leaving a troubled and confusing legacy. No one can forget the good will and respect he earned for Penn State, but neither can we forgive his tragic decision not to do the right thing where the suffering of children was concerned.
How will he be rememebred? How should he be remembered?
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.