Just a few short months ago Joe Paterno was a vibrant vision on the fields Beaver Stadium at Penn State. His life was dedicated to the school, the team, the fans and his family. He was living the life most people only dream about. Then something happened; something tragic and senseless and immoral. Joe Paterno was removed from the school and the team he was devoted to for the last 46 years.
Mr Paterno spoke about the Sandusky case with a heavy heart. He said he honestly felt as if he was guilty of making a poor judgment call concerning the situation. He did what he thought was right at the moment for everyone. JoePa was a man of dignity, loyalty and pride. Hindsight is 20/20. The legacy he leaves behind is now tarnished. Should his life be condemned for the flaws or revered for the accomplishments?
Is it a coincidence that less than 3 months after being told to leave the only life he knew he died? Did a little piece of him die each day as his mind was forced to think about the abuse case that was surrounding him?
Whatever your thoughts on the Sandusky case, JoePa’s mistakes, the team or the University’s decision to stay quiet it’s a sad day at Penn State and many homes around the country.
I do think it was a broken heart, Penn State was his life, his soul. It gave him a reason to get up in the morning. I think when the case broke, he felt defeated. I know some people think he did know what was going on and should have done more, but I think he was probably very old fashioned and just didn’t think a man would do that do a boy – but he did his job and told his superiors. It stinks that the story of his legacy will end with a note about him being fired, the outpouring of love from students (past and present) and the community shows what a great man they thought he really was.
thats a very good point about his assuming others were doing the right thing. I really left him out of my opinion of the case, it wasn’t about him. Defeated is a great way to describe how he probably felt.
thanks
It robbed him of his zest for life and joy in every day, so I have no doubt that it played a HUGE part. Very sad. 🙁
the downward spiral started literally days after the story broke. At the age of 85, no job, no purpose, what was the point in fighting I guess 🙁
I agree with everyone else. Its sad how the case overshadowed him over the last couple months of his life. Sad indeed 🙁
on another note I’m sorry but I have a question that isn’t related to your post. About the “Save Money and Win $50 GC Giveaway,” are we allowed to do daily tweets? I don’t see mention on the giveaway page nor the post. however I saw others doing daily tweets but I’m not sure. thanks!
i think it was supposed to be a daily tweet but the instructions don’t explain it. Go ahead 🙂
I have no doubt that Joe Paterno died of a very heavy and sad heart. It’s evident that this case took a very heavy emotional toll on his well-being. My thoughts aside on all that went down, I wish his family peace and hope that he has found it now, too.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog so I could find yours today!