One of our nation’s most enduring archetypes is the noble and inspirational coach. These individuals are modern knights in our sports-obsessed society. They stand for all that is supposed to be right and true in American culture, and individuals who fit into this revered mold stand tall as some of the greatest among us.
Coach Joe Paterno of Pennsylvania State University was one of these great figures. He was a man who led his team and university to two national titles. He established a program at Penn State that was founded upon hard work and humble determination, which led to devotion and loyalty from his team and fans. One cannot look at his record and legend and say that he did not accomplish great things and inspire many people to be the best they could be.
Unfortunately for Paterno, his last days were marred by a decade-long scandal of pedophilia from a man that was part of his inner circle. This is an incredibly sensitive and difficult issue that we find ourselves facing: the honorable coach archetype clashing with the vicious and egregious act of pedophilia can only produce tragedy and betrayal.
Upon his recent death, it is important to take a respectful tone toward his life and accomplishments, but at the same time we cannot sweep this situation under the rug. Too many innocent children were abused because of his inaction and supposed ignorance.
This cannot be forgotten because it not only would disrespect the people involved in this terrible situation, but everyone that has faced this type of unforgivable crime. As the long-term and respected leader of the Penn State football program, the blame falls squarely on his shoulders.
Although he did not commit these awful crimes, he let them quietly fade away in the background. No one can say that a man of his influence and power would not have known or been able to do anything about this issue. This extreme lapse of judgment on his part defies the logic of the legend that he was trying to build and maintain.
It is highly unfortunate that this was part of the last chapter of his life. This story speaks to the fact the he was human and that we all make mistakes, but he needs to be an example of how we can get lost in our own power and influence. For whatever reason, he allowed his moral integrity to waver, which led to an incredibly compromising situation for his university and the moral code that he had spent decades trying to establish.
This situation cannot be forgotten, as much as we would like to honor the work of a man who accomplished so much. He made a very unfortunate mistake that led to a decade-long scandal he should not be able to escape so easily. This needs to be part of his life story so that future generations can learn from his mistakes.
When trying to build a moral paradigm like Paterno’s, you constantly need to live up to that standard and never let it waver. His legend needs to be tarnished so that we can learn from it. At the same time, we should not demonize the actions he took, for they were very human and understandable.
He was a great man, but the flaws of the man need to be emphasized when we discuss his story. I believe it’s possible that his greatest achievement will be making the sports world and the larger society recognize and confront its darker side. With this understanding, we can be better people, which is something Paterno worked tirelessly for.
Zachary Carrel is an international studies and anthropology senior.
Read the response to this editorial: Point: Paterno Proved Himself A Good Man Throughout Life
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WillieGreen 3 months, 3 weeks ago
And just what "mistake" do you think Joe Paterno made, Mr. Carrel?
So far, the Grand Jury testimony that we have reveals that Mike McQueary didn't actually witness any child molestation. There was no "rape". He didn't see any erection or insertion. He didn't see any fondling. He didn't hear any cries for help. He heard suggestive "slapping sounds" and he saw Sandusky in the shower with an unidentified young boy. And there was no look of distress or anguish on the young boy's face.
Was it inappropriate for Sandusky to be in a shower with a young boy? Perhaps... perhaps not... We are talking about a men's locker room, afterall. A men's locker room that's primarily used by college students, but it wouldn't be particularly uncommon for coaches or faculty members to use the communal showers at the same time. And if it had perhaps been at the local YMCA or public swimming pool, there might be a much wider age distribution of naked males using the communal showers, ranging from the very young to the very old.
So what DID Mike McQueary actually witness, Mr. Carrel? And what should Joe Paterno have done with the extremely flimsy "evidence" that was presented to him?
Well we know what Paterno actually did do. He reported the incident to the appropriate University authorities, including Gary Schultz who oversaw the PSU campus police.
So what more do you expect THEM to do based on such flimsy suspicions?
The only "lesson" to be learned from this is that Joe Paterno's national recognition and reputation made him a prime target for those inclined to participate in a sensationalist and sanctimonious witch hunt.
Joe Paterno DID the right thing. He is more the "victim" in this unfortunate incident than the unidentified young boy who McQueary never actually saw being molested.
kdbp1213 3 months, 3 weeks ago
"Too many innocent children were abused......" illustrates yet another example of a media-person's suggestiion of 'guilty until proven innocent.'
Yes, the USA's legal system is 'innocent until proven guilty' in a court of law; not a court of public opinion. A lot of folks believe 'innocent until proven guilty' is old, outdated, archaic, etc. But Sandusky has yet to be found guilty of any wrong-doing. Stand in an accused person's shoes and you'd probably adopt the outdated philosophy, also, I'm sure.
For the record and no matter the crime, I whole-heartedly agree with punishing a guilty person but only after guilt is derived from a legal proceeding such as a trial or the accused's voluntarily & non-coerced confession. If Sandusky is found guilty or confesses guilt, let him suffer the longest and harshest penalty as necessary. Child molestation is dispicable......................
I am defending and supporting 'innocent until proven guilty.'
boomer2012 3 months, 3 weeks ago
"...he should not be able to escape so easily." Death is an easy escape? I understand not sweeping the conflict under the rug but when discussing a person's life in the immediate weeks after his death you should discuss accomplishments, not drag him through the mud.