Penn State Family Mourns a Legend

In the wake of a scandal which resulted in the loss of his job, early on Jan. 22, former coach Joe Paterno lost his life to lung cancer. As quickly as Paterno was dismissed from his 61-year position as head coach for reasons he admittedly struggled to understand, the terminal disease spread rapidly throughout his body until his death, just 65 days following diagnosis.

“I’m sick about it,” Paterno told the Washington Post last week of the Sandusky scandal. The world knew that the 85-year-old was implying more about his health than of his heartbreak; or perhaps Paterno was revealing the detriment his health was suffering as a result of this heartbreak.

Dismissed from Penn State on Nov. 9, the Paterno family refused any comment regarding the scandal. Finally, on Jan. 14, Paterno “broke the silence” and agreed to an interview. His voice was barely audible, and the second half of the interview had to be conducted the next day at bedside.

Rumors about the future of Joe Paterno’s legacy have circulated national news stations and editorials in major publications. “How will he be remembered?” Penn State President Rodney Erickson sent an email to the student body and alumni association with his condolences. 

“We grieve for the loss of Joe Paterno, a great man who made us a greater university,” said Erickson. “His dedication to ensuring his players were successful both on the field and in life is legendary and his commitment to education is unmatched in college football. His life, work and generosity will be remembered always.”

Others, however, believe that his reputation will be marred by the allegations against his long-time heir-apparent as head coach and his place in the scandal. 

“I didn’t know exactly how to handle it and I was afraid to do something that might jeopardize what the university procedure was,” Paterno told the Washington Post. “So I backed away and turned it over to some other people, people I thought would have a little more expertise than I did. It didn’t work out that way.” 

He continued to explain that McQueary’s description of the incident was vague; however, even if he had been more explicit, he might not have understood, as he had never dealt with anything of the sort.

Although Paterno was accused of nothing against university policy, his termination was “in the best interest of the university.” 

Student riots after Paterno’s termination spoke loudly for the opinion of the majority, which can be summarized by his wife’s statement: “After 61 years, he deserves better. He deserves better.”

Two weeks after the heart-wrenching interview with Washington Post, Paterno checked into the Mount Nittany Medical Center. It was there that he spent his last moments with his family.

With 409 victories, five children, and 17 grandchildren, Paterno lived an influential life, regardless of his involvement with a university crisis. 

The family’s statement read: “He has been many things in his life -- a soldier, scholar, mentor, coach, friend and father. To his wife, “he was and is her soul mate, and the last several weeks have shown the strength of their love. To his children and grandchildren he is a shining example of how to live a good, decent and honest life, a standard to which we aspire ... He died as he lived. He fought hard until the end.”