What is JoePa’s Legacy?
What do you think Joe Paterno's legacy should be?
I know what you’re thinking. “More stuff about Joe Paterno?” And in some way, you may be right. He is all over the media right now. ESPN had its ticker lined with Penn State/JoePa/funeral/reactions. However, let me counter with this: If Sandusky had never done what he did, how much more would Paterno be immortalized? Here is an easy answer: infinitely.
The news from State College last year was one of the biggest scandals I can remember in my young life. The biggest reason for that was because Happy Valley was seen as wholesome, clean, and down-to-earth. The biggest reason Happy Valley was seen like that was because of JoePa. The biggest reason JoePa was seen like that was because, well, he was those things. Emphasis on was.
That is why when his name is mentioned these days, the reaction people used to have (that warm, fuzzy feeling) becomes one of walking on eggshells. Anytime a sexual scandal is involved, a name is tarnished forever. Did JoePa engage in any of those disgusting, despicable acts of horror himself? No. But it seems to me when his name is mentioned, Sandusky is automatically tied to it.
That is the price his legacy pays for his actions. Instead of the biographical movie of his life being entitled “Joe Paternal”, it shifted to “Failure to Report”.
One of the greatest college football coaches in history, who changed thousands of young men’s lives for the better for decades is now often synonymous with a man whose actions irreparably damaged other young men’s lives forever.
Everyone makes mistakes in their lives. Since JoePa’s worst mistake happened to be at the end of his, his legacy will be tarnished forever. It’s a shame.
