“University officials should never restore the Paterno statue and these ex-players should move on”.
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Tuesday, another rather large call went out.
The former players and coaches, who span every decade since the 1950s, also made two other demands: return the wall that rested behind the statue and celebrated Penn State accomplishments, and issue a formal apology to Paterno’s widow.
“We have been told during the last four-plus years that the board and administration are waiting for the appropriate time to fix the damage they created”, former Nittany Lions punter Brian Masella said, via The Philadelphia Inquirer. “Now is the appropriate time”. Our legacy and our university deserve better.
“The University’s leadership has clearly indicated that there will be a time and place to acknowledge Coach Joe Paterno’s many contributions”.
“We have been told during the last four-plus years that the board and administration are waiting for the appropriate time to fix the damage they created”.
Paterno is nearly a religious figurehead among the Penn State faithful, so I can understand their desire to have his name and legacy restored at Happy Valley.
Former Penn State football players are petitioning to bring back Joe Paterno’s famed bronze statue.
Brian Masella, former tight end and punter, and 1975 alumnus spoke on behalf of the 200 lettermen who signed the statement.
“This a common act of decency, which is both warranted and long overdue”, the letter reads, in regard to an apology.
Paterno served as the Lions’ head coach for 46 years before he was sacked by Penn State in 2011 following Sandusky’s arrest, and he died of lung cancer in January 2012.
The university’s leaders have repeatedly stated a desire to restore unity to the Penn State community.
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A recent investigation found that Paterno had no knowledge of any of the early assaults committed by former Defensive Coordinator Jerry Sandusky, who was sentenced to 30-60 years in prison, essentially a life sentence for the elderly former football coach.
