In announcing its tribute to Paterno, the university loudly declared that college football is more important to its institution than encouraging victims of sexual abuse to report their crimes to law enforcement. “Like I said it’s polarizing for a lot of people”, he said.
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The video tributes during the game came a day after the largest gathering of former Penn State football players since Paterno’s memorial service in 2012.
Penn State paid tribute to Joe Paterno Saturday – but protesters retorted with reminders of the university’s sex abuse scandal. Rather than Paterno’s 409 career victories, the commemoration focused on the football program’s high graduation rate during his 46-year tenure, along with the accomplishments of his players.
Coach James Franklin said Smith “broke down” the team in the locker room, meaning his teammates all gathered around him to celebrate the win. Smith, who said he was intending to go to Penn before deciding on Penn State, said it was something he had long anticipated. As Penn State’s athletic. Current assistant coach Terry Smith and Lettermen’s Club director Wally Richardson were there as well.
Penn State also had to deal with some untimely penalties. Penn State fell behind early and rallied to make it a game thanks to the play of Trace McSorley, who threw for 332 yards and a touchdown.
The largest gathering of former players since Paterno’s memorial service in 2012, the event featured speeches from former Nittany Lions who found success in the National Football League, as well as autograph signing sessions, according to the Morning Call (Lehigh Valley, Pa.). “The key word is legacy”, former National Football League tight end Tony Stewart said.
Harry and Lance Hamilton, brothers from the Wilkes-Barre area who played on Penn State’s 1982 national-championship team, said they felt an obligation to attend. They credit Paterno for giving the university an identity to be proud of.
“I wish I had done more”.
I say let the man be honored, respect what he did, ALWAYS remember WHY he was dismissed and just let the school have their moment. “That right there is my fondest memory of Joe”.
In 2011, Paterno was sacked following 45 years at the helm after former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky was arrested on charges of child abuse. “Outside there are some ugly things being said, but as far and as wide as this can be talked about, blow the horn, sound the whistle, sound the alarm if you have to”.
Temple’s offense then wasted no time, and Phillip Walker found Romond Deloatch in the middle of the field for a 67 yard catch and run on first down.
Honoring Paterno is an unacceptable and inconsiderate gesture with his role as enabler. “This is what sets him apart”.
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Penn State commemorated the 50th anniversary of Paterno’s coaching debut, in addition to his commitment to student-athletes and academics, during the Nittany Lions’ game Saturday against Temple. Harris said. “That’s part of it. I think they handled it wrong and I think they got bad advice from the lawyers and the lawyers got it wrong and they handled it wrong”.
