Joe Paterno has died at age 85. He leaves behind an immense, yet immeasurable legacy. The tiny cow college he came to in 1950 has blossomed into a world class research and academic institution, partially built on the name brand established by Paterno's football teams. He and his wife, Sue, raised millions of dollars for Penn State and a vast array of charitable organizations. A massive, five-story addition to the campus library bears his name thanks to a multi-million dollar donation to Penn State. In the modern football factory world, his players graduated at a rate far beyond that of nearly all other programs. In the staid bureaucracy of college football, he urged and achieved reform.
Behind Joe Paterno's Beaver Stadium statue are the words, "Educator, Coach, Humanitarian." They really could have been arranged in any order. Yes, he won a few football games, and the grand scope of Paterno's educational and humanitarian achievements was not possible without his blossoming football program. It not only changed the lives of those who passed through it, but also of those who were just lucky enough to be around it for few hours on a Saturday afternoon. It brought together people of all types, forging friendships that otherwise never would have existed. It made us feel bigger than we actually were. Paterno believed that his players could succeed on the field and in the classroom. When ordinary students could overcome their starstruck feelings to say hello, Paterno would ask if they were studying and going to class. He believed in all of us, whether we knew it or not.
There are some people that, for whatever reason, never seem like they could ever die. The last time I felt like this, Fred "Mister" Rogers had died in 2003. I was 28 years old, just slightly past my days of watching PBS children's programming. Yet, I never considered a world without Mister Rogers walking through the front door with his huge smile, singing "won't you be my neighbor?", and changing into his cardigan and sneakers. This would happen forever, regardless of the year on the calendar or whether I was sitting in front of the television. It was constant, comfortable, and all that millions of us had ever known.
Joe Paterno would always be there for us too, as an unlikely combination of Fred Rogers and fellow Brooklynite Vince Lombardi. His hair would always be dark and his eyeglasses comically thick. He would run out the tunnel for roughly a dozen Saturdays each autumn, wearing a tie, black shoes, and rolled up khaki pants. Paterno would inevitably show up for spring practices, still looking 20 years younger than his actual age and happily shooting down frivolous media questions like clay pigeons. This had to happen because it had always happened. Just like Fred Rogers, Paterno's presence was reassuring even when times were bad, just like Mr. Rogers' trademark song and cardigan. It was all we had ever known, and a world without him seemed incomprehensible.
Paterno's wisdom, charity, and success -- these are the things that will be remembered. The scandal associated with Jerry Sandusky will remain a murky, dark chapter in an expansive 61-year career and life spent doing so much good for so many people in Happy Valley and beyond. However, this is a day to celebrate, and perhaps even be jealous of a life exquisitely lived on its own terms. A young man from Brooklyn made a choice in 1950 to be a poorly paid assistant coach at a tiny outpost in central Pennsylvania. The course of a university and the lives of millions became undeniably richer for his decision, and regardless of the last few months, Joe Paterno left our little corner of the world an infinitely better place than he found it.
14 recs | 267 comments
Good stuff
Well played, sir.
Tailgate Shogun - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Man, I am going to miss him….. Tough thing to say about someone I have never met.
rugbyrowe - January 22, 2012
I got to shake his hand once.
I couldn’t say a word.
dmetz - January 22, 2012
the only words I managed
as I was running beside his Chevy S10 escort vehicle coming from Football’s Eve was “Thank You”
lionalum05 - January 22, 2012
Knew who this was right away...I physically ran into Joe in a hotel in Louisville, KY years ago!
Shiffer Brains - January 23, 2012
Well said
An inevitable day that we all wished would never come.
Kunk - January 22, 2012
Very well said.
Esteban d' Amur - January 22, 2012
The Mr. Rodgers analogy was spot on
Two of the nicest men ever
buddyball9 - January 22, 2012
Well written
Could not have said it better. Truly a wonderful man.
Grockcubs - January 22, 2012
JOE PATERNO:
Part of this http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7487990/joe-paterno-penn-state-legacy-more-scandal I’d like to place highlight here:
ComfortHePuHuTh - January 22, 2012
Where are those things
Smee - January 22, 2012 via mobile
I meant
tissues
Smee - January 22, 2012
finally, THANKS
for clearing up the meaning of * Our hankies are in the dryer. You are welcome to all you can use as soon as they are done. VIRTUAL HUG
ComfortHePuHuTh - January 22, 2012
I was at the base of the mountain in Park City
watching my 17-year-old daughter ski, reading it on the blackberry, and had a mobile device fail… Luckily nobody was watching the old guy on the bench tear up.
Smee - January 22, 2012
Very well said.
We Are
PSU_Brian - January 22, 2012 via mobile
PENN STATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UPSUPhilly - January 22, 2012
Listening to Coach K's comments now.
Dammit – now I may have to be a Duke basketball fan.
dontcallmescooter - January 22, 2012
You'll get over it.
Salt - January 22, 2012
I had the same reaction.
Coach K was spot on with his statements in the interview and alluded to media treatment of Joe. It is good to hear Joe recognized for all the things he did and the man we knew him to be.
bluegrass_nittany_lion - January 22, 2012
Agree
For someone in his situation, an active coach and representative of a school whose finances a partly tied to having good relations with ESPN…he basically cruxified the entire media, including ESPN in particular, and the PSU administration. I couldn’t have been more impressed with Coach K’s guts and honesty.
PSUCharmas - January 22, 2012
Coach K is respected at Duke, but not loved
the way we love JoePa. Just the same, I am sending K an e-mail tomorrow, thanking him for his words about Joe.
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
84, PM,
please come see
ComfortHePuHuTh - January 22, 2012
Could you please post Coach K's email address?
TIA
dontcallmescooter - January 22, 2012
Scooter, 84 will post tomorrow. Or you can send your email to him.
His email is in his profile. (PSU_Lions_84’s Wife)
ComfortHePuHuTh - January 22, 2012
dont call him scooter! loljk
tlrpsu - January 22, 2012
mea culpa! mea culpa!
my bad ;}
ComfortHePuHuTh - January 22, 2012
Missed it
can anybody sum up what he said??
Ben16 - January 23, 2012
I linked it in a fanshot
Artiefufkin10 - January 23, 2012
Please post again here. (Todd's)
Others are asking elsewhere and I haven’t been able to locate fanshot. many thanks.
ComfortHePuHuTh - January 23, 2012
Found it
Here
Ben16 - January 23, 2012
Nothing gets to my PSU/Paterno emotions more than this video has over the past few years
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQDlaWFeilE
Just thought I’d share it here.
CyphaPSU - January 22, 2012
Agree – one of my faves.
dontcallmescooter - January 22, 2012
It is so dusty in here
Nittany_Ryan - January 22, 2012
who is...
that number 7 QB at the end? Sorry it didn’t work out Pat…
jarosity - January 22, 2012
You nailed it, Chris
I hadn’t really been able to articulate this inkling of a feeling I’ve been feeling. But jealousy is close. I’m looking at my life and looking at Joe’s life and feeling a mixture of pride and almost, I wanna say, shame. I have done so little. I want my life to be like his, but it’s so hard. We can all do more, but so few of us consistently manage to do so. So I am sort of jealous, but tinged with a resolve to keep getting better and do away with those things that are holding me back. This is how I want other people to feel about me some day.
OctaShields - January 22, 2012
Definitely a Village led by JOE!
ComfortHePuHuTh - January 22, 2012
Yeah.
This.
Fuck yeah
jesse. - January 22, 2012
Not jealously
But a sheer desire to better myself. We all know Joe Paterno’s name because of the number of football games he won. But there are a number of coaches who had more MNCs or win percentages, but will never measure up to the Joe Paterno standard. I look up to Joe Paterno because of his loyalty, principals, and commitment to education. He understood that there was something more to life than wins and fame. We will never be as widely know or revered as Paterno. But I do know we can make the choice to live up to his ideals and strive to be as positive as a human being as him. And yes, it will be a huge challenge, but one that is worthwhile undertaking.
tbs5005 - January 22, 2012
Penn State was always my second favorite school to pull for
mainly because JoPa and the Bear were friends. But I loved Joe’s class, his old school teams (and y’all got screwed out of a few championships), and the fact that he stayed with an institution for so long. There is much good that can and will be said about him…I am sorry for y’alls loss PSU.
JunctionCrimson - January 22, 2012
thanks JC
Steebo4PSU - January 22, 2012 via iPhone app
thank you
I’m glad Bama was on the schedule this year. Seems fitting
psupride - January 22, 2012
thanks Junction
Now Joepa and the Bear can sit down, pour a drink, and talk about which play Joe shoulda run on 4 and 1. Would love to listen in on that conversation.
MB in MI - January 22, 2012
We are all better for having been in his orbit.
Thanks for everything, Joe. You will be loved and missed by Nittany Nation, always.
michellemtsu - January 22, 2012
Sorry Joe but what you wanted written cannot be...
You didn’t just make Penn State a better place, you made the WORLD a better place.
psupride - January 22, 2012
I will remember..
How I would meet him on campus and he would stop, say hi and ask how my classes were going
Being chased off the practice field by Joe behind the old Nittany dorms
Shaking his hand in front of Beaver Stadium after the big win against OSU in 1978
But mostly I will remember the pride he instilled in us for being something different
We Are Penn State!
bluegrass_nittany_lion - January 22, 2012
Not to start anything
But Penn Staters standing vigil around the statue are not doing us justice. They’re laughing on their cell phones, milling around with smirks, kinda like they have an inkling of something important but don’t quite get it.
Mr. Rosewater - January 22, 2012
Thought I'd leave this here
I’ve heard a lot of people asking “What will be the lasting legacy of Joe Paterno?”
As if that’s a question that anyone could answer. A legacy isn’t something that you discuss. There can be no official determination. The only people who can possibly care about this discussion are the people who have never had their lives influenced by the man. The discussion is abstract and academic, and almost wholly worthless.
His real legacy won’t be determined by words, spoken or written.
It is when I work a little harder on the details to make the brief I’m writing not just good enough, but perfect.
It’s when I meet someone new, look them in the eye while I’m shaking their hand and commit myself to actually listening and being interested in them, because that’s how one shows respect.
It’s when I walk a little further to the sidewalk to avoid cutting through someone’s yard, because you don’t cut figurative or literal corners.
It’s understanding that you can live up to some ideal and be driven by more than just personal self-interest, and then striving to live in such a way and help others in their quests as well.
It’s Adam Taliaferro going from being paralyzed to becoming an elected government official and (hopefully) Trustee within the span of 12 years.
It’s Paul Jones, who committed to Penn State as a 4-star recruit, and has nothing but respect and admiration for his former coach, even after being prevented from playing for his first two years.
It’s the hundreds of former players who credit their old coach for making them into the men they are today.
It’s listening to Urban Meyer and Mike Ditka and Coach K talk about what he’s meant to them, and hearing something much deeper, realer and more genuine than you usually hear when people give respects to an icon.
It’s every current and former player understanding that a scholarship has more to do with class and grades than football, that you run to the whistle (in both football and life) and internalizing the maxim “if you take care of the little things, the big things will take care of themselves.”
The idea that a legacy is an encapsulation or a summary is silly. A legacy is influence, and exists at a subconscious, ineffable level as much as it does as an actual idea. I am a better person because Joe Paterno was my role model. My life was enriched by the places and people that he influenced and improved during his life. And there are hundreds of thousands like me. That is his legacy.
OctaShields - January 22, 2012
So wonderful, Octa.
In fact, I’m going to borrow it, if you don’t mind.
Paige2PSU - January 22, 2012
By all means
I came up with it, but it’s for everybody.
OctaShields - January 22, 2012
Honestly Octa....
I didnt borrow it… I flat out stole it… but I did credit you…. thank you for putting this into words..
jaytay13 - January 22, 2012
Ironically
I am working on a piece about the legacy of JoePa. My cencetration was looking into legacy and identity of historical figures, so I ahve some knowledge on the subject. Unfortunately it will be a bit more academic, which you don’t look lightly on.
AriesGD - January 22, 2012
There's a place for that
But there should really be two different words for these different ideas. “How one is remembered historically” and “the effect and influence one had on the lives of others” are both generally referred to as legacy.
OctaShields - January 22, 2012
And I agree
It is something I put in my work, that there is several legacies of people, and not one singular legacy.
AriesGD - January 22, 2012
Perfect
bconway6 - January 25, 2012
^ This, to infinity and beyond.
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
Even though I never met him
he still feels like family, which is sometimes a hard thing to wrap my thoughts around. It’s a testament to the way he lived his life that his influence spread so far and wide.
Joe 96alum - January 22, 2012
Bought this this morning before I knew
http://www.lions-pride.com/store/COACH!MAIRS/Penn+State+Coach+Joe+Pa+Print
farrellpsu - January 22, 2012
Never met him either
I used to bike to campus most days from my apartment, and detour past their house just to wave. As someone said earlier, he just felt like a family member that I’d never met. His life and death have affected me in ways I’ll probably never begin to understand. For that, he will have my eternal gratitude. I am a better person for having had him as one of my role models.
smh244 - January 22, 2012
my grandpa just told me a story
When he was at school back in the late 50’s, Joe would stop by his fraternity and have a beer with everyone before the game. Just found that to be awesome
lbu828694 - January 22, 2012 via iPhone app
Thanks JoePa
Although we never met, you challenged me to become a better person. As Penn Staters, it is now our duty to meet that challenge and carry-on his legacy.
tbs5005 - January 22, 2012
Awaiting Information
Im awaiting information on where and when to make respects. I will host multiple family members/Alumni preparing to make the journey back home since I live the closest.
I hope that the school is prepared because the sheer numbers of people prepared to make the trip is going to be crazy
airleg1 - January 22, 2012
Thanks for the commentary Chris
Rest in Peace to Joe Paterno. My prayers go out to him and his family.
mundyscorner99 - January 22, 2012
RIP Joe
My first comment on BSD might as well be one honoring a man of integrity and honor whose legend will stand the test of time.
Goodbye to a Man in Full.
Pure Azure - January 22, 2012
It's pretty much impossible to embellish his life and legacy.
That says it all
Succss With Honor Always - January 22, 2012
Honor, integrity = JOE Paterno legacy
Pure, welcome to BSD!
ComfortHePuHuTh - January 22, 2012
Paterno meant so much to everyone who believes in college sports as a force for good. I hope his example continues to inspire. I wish that Fitz would have gotten another shot at beating him, but I don’t begrudge JoePa #400 or #408.
nuftw - January 22, 2012
Even the kids who arent coming to Penn State know what kind of man Joe was
@CamrenWilliams5
RIP JoePa, it was an honor meeting you and developing a relationship with you. You are THE GREATEST coach ever…on and off the field
lexi1031 - January 22, 2012
between cam and urban's statements today
it’s a little tougher to hate OSU. Not impossible, but tougher
PhilaLion - January 22, 2012 via Android app
Eh, take a look at 11W under the comments section of the post about Paterno's death and it makes it so easy to go right back to hating them
smh
lexi1031 - January 22, 2012
love this
tlrpsu - January 22, 2012
WOW, loving it at our home also!
Where to get it? please
ComfortHePuHuTh - January 22, 2012
just right click the image above and hit "save as"
and it will be saved to your computer.
tlrpsu - January 22, 2012
Many Thanks.
What about the TradeMark?
ComfortHePuHuTh - January 22, 2012
idk. i guess they forgot to take that off.
i didn’t make it.
tlrpsu - January 22, 2012
And the Pgh media - bitter, wrong, and small to the end.
Mr. Paterno was instrumental in getting Penn State — an independent for 106 years — into the Big Ten conference. He also was the driving force behind the cancellation of the football series with rival Pitt, which will resume again in 2016 and ’17.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12022/1205338-100.stm#ixzz1kEHxbbEp
Completely unnecesssary, uncalled for, and a complete cheap shot.
J Breezy - January 22, 2012
It's also untrue
The series isn’t resuming. It’s just two games. And Joe was not the reason the series ended. The fact that Pitt isn’t worth playing every year is the reason the series ended.
reedjohnmiller - January 22, 2012 via mobile
bunch of douchebags.
tlrpsu - January 22, 2012
Really petty
It’s not clear to me that Pitt really cares that much about the series either. It’s a handful of media that pushes it.
Who wrote that crap? Have we flooded them with emails yet. I feel like someone else needs to take over that job. I’m burned out on it.
reedjohnmiller - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Musselman.
But forget the emails. A big part of the reason the Pgh media is so anti-PSU and anti-Joe is because it gets such a reaction. That’s just what they want to sell papers and generate web hits (so they can get more ads). Ignoring them is the best thing to do.
I’ve posted it before and am too lazy to look up the exact numbers, but Pitt went to the Big East in 1982 (and PSU to the Big 10 in 1990…sports in 1993). According to the Pgh media Joe has had a grudge against Pitt since they joined the Big East, yet PSU has played Pitt numerous times since then and are scheduled to play them in a few years – what the heck kind of way is that to hold a grudge???
Woody hays knew how to do it…he would not schedule any schools from Ohio. Never wanted to even give them a chance against the premier program in the state. I’d be ok with PSU doing that, too.
J Breezy - January 22, 2012
Gary Williams did that at MD too
Didnt want to play any DC area teams.
I’m indifferent. Given the way scheduling and the revenue works, we can only schedule a few noncon games on a one-here/one-there contract. Pitt won’t come here more they we go there – fine they have to make money too – but it really doesnt make sense for us to do a one-and-one with them right now. We need to reserve those slots for games that will get a bigger national audience like Bama or USC. Now with the new Pac10 deal, our flexibility is even less. An occasional series with Pitt is ok, I guess.
We can drop Temple too. It’s mostly PSU fans that come but I went to that game this year. $65 for nosebleed seats and we had to listen to that awful owl screech noise. Not worth it.
reedjohnmiller - January 22, 2012 via mobile
plus we almost lost
The JuggerNitt - January 22, 2012
That too
But in the long run, I expect that to be rare. Temple should play 1-AA. It would make more sense for them.
reedjohnmiller - January 24, 2012 via mobile
We should really amp this up.
If playing Pitt is about money, then how about a home-and-home for eternity, but the winner keeps all the gate money?
Pitt is such a pathetic loser I think we could all agree to that.
Ab4PSU - January 23, 2012
Pittsburgh could be a great city
It is a great city in many ways. But it’s media is on par with many podunk backwaters. It’s time to move into the 20th century, yinzers.
reedjohnmiller - January 22, 2012 via mobile
For Pgh and all of W. Pa time pretty much stopped.....
…around 1975.
J Breezy - January 22, 2012
It feels like that sometimes
reedjohnmiller - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Really well-written Chris
WFY - January 22, 2012
Todd Blackledge
is giving a great interview on ESPN. He said that the BOT and media had a part in all of this and it breaks his heart. Said how much he loves Joe.
PSU_Brian - January 22, 2012 via mobile
todd has a good point
tlrpsu - January 22, 2012
Truth in that
Joe’s legacy had been damaged irreparably, his life’s love had been taken from him. There wasn’t much that he could live for, and often those facing dire medical diagnoses fare better knowing they have a purpose.
RIP Joe.
gcdyersb - January 22, 2012
The stories tricking out really hit the heart hard.
MainLion - January 22, 2012
STOP MAKING ME CRY!!!
The JuggerNitt - January 22, 2012
VIRTUAL HUG & HANKY
ComfortHePuHuTh - January 22, 2012
Tearjerker:
“I don’t want anything,” Hali answered. “I just want to tell you I miss you.”
NJ lion - January 23, 2012
Forgot to add:
We’ll ALL miss you, Coach. Whether we knew you personally or not. Thank you for what you have done to make all of us better people because of your example.
NJ lion - January 23, 2012
Yes, Angelo,
he had an impact.
run4peach - January 22, 2012
Worth your time to read:
http://www.statecollege.com/news/columns/guest-column-the-paternos-and-the-penn-state-family-987180/
also has a nice picture of Joe and Sue! Well said by T. Shakely
ComfortHePuHuTh - January 22, 2012
I had never thought about it as love, but that's really what it is.
OctaShields - January 22, 2012
Great post, sweetheart!
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
A Learning Experience
I came to this site back in November because I was ashamed of what I was reading online and in the news and seeing on ESPN and other media outlets. I could not believe the judgmental vilification of an older man who seemed so above such treatment. Why were the media and those who commented on the forums and articles so vicious in their criticism of a man who coached so well for so long? I was not a particular fan of Penn State or Joe Paterno when I arrived at Black Shoe Diaries in mid-November
Joe Paterno was no highly skilled money-seeking mercenary. Joe had never been the big gun for hire playing the success of his teams into a compensation war for a bigger paycheck. Joe didn’t court the media or update his style. He was the antithesis of slick and was "cool" because he did not try to be. Joe’s power at Penn State wasn’t about racking up championships and awards or money, it was about making players into better men and education. He seemed to be more impressed by the academic success of his players than their professional football careers. Joe seemed to me to be the last person in the world who would put the image of his or any football program above the well being of any child.
So why were so many inclined to describe Joe as something he seemed so unlikely to be?
Over the past 75 days of constant attention to the worst days in the history of Joe Paterno’s media image I’ve come to a conclusion in seeking an answer to that question. The media – particularly the sports media – hated Joe Paterno for what he was to them. Joe was simply a better human being than they could ever hope to be. Sports writers are so impressed by big money contracts. Their answer to every problem is to open up the checkbook and buy the solution. They pay a little lip service to academic excellence but it’s way down the list of what they value. When a good man has continued success measured by academic success and success in life instead of their measure of more money, more impressive stats, and more wins they took the opportunity offered by the attorney general to try to bring Joe down.
I understand why life long Penn State fans would prefer to forget the past 80 days and focus right now on the 61 years that preceded November of 2011. I am sorry I don’t have that history to share so I have to speak from my limited experience.
Even under the extreme duress of the past 80 days Joe Paterno was an inspiration. His first act after the story broke was to offer what he thought would be the easy way out for the University he loved. He did not lash out in anger or disgust when the Board of Trustees refused his offer and dumped him over the telephone. He did not blame the media that vilified him but took responsibility for a hindsight that none of us have. His deepest concern was for the kids who were harmed by a man he thought was too involved with a charity to be his successor. He believed the job of guiding the academic and football lives of the young men who played for Penn State was the job of any coaching staff and that was a 24/7 job along with caring for a family. Joe could not believe such evil could have existed in a man who cleverly pretended to be a great friend and supporter of disadvantaged children.
Joe Paterno has moved on to a better place leaving behind lesser men who have chosen to judge him by their own mercenary moral standards. I feel blessed to have made some friends here on BSD because I have been inspired by Joe Paterno and the good people of Penn State to write in defense of his actions. I am convinced the ill-advised words of the prosecution contributed greatly to the vilification he was made to suffer and likely hastened his departure from life.
I will not dwell further on this subject in order to honor the many great and uncontroversial years of Joes exceptional life and I beg your forgiveness for this abbreviated eulogy based on perhaps the worst days of a life so well lived. I feel I have earned the limited right to express my feelings about Joe because the way he handled the worst thing in his life is so indicative of how he handled everything he did. Joe was a man who cared about his players, the students, the great university he helped to shape and the children who were victimized through no fault of his. Joe Paterno was a good man who led an exemplary life and he was the last person to deserve the treatment he received in his final days. My sympathies are with the Penn State family.
aurabass - January 22, 2012
It seems to me aurabass
it takes a pretty good man to recognize another, and you have the unlimited right to express your feelings about our coach, our school, and our people as you see fit, though I obviously don’t speak for those who “run” this place. I found this place out of a need to imediately reach out and touch something that is fundamental to who I am, when the institution that something embodies was seriously wounded. I wanted to understand, and “go back home” when I haven’t been back home in a long time. This site has satisfied that in spades, and your participation here has contributed in no small measure. Speaking for myself, thank you for your efforts, enthusiasm, and for grasping the spirit of who and what We Are.
PSUMarine78 - January 22, 2012
Second this.
Great post, 78.
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
aurabass
Thank you so much for all the effort you’ve put into setting the record straight, defending our beloved coach. Though you claim to be a Tennessee fan, to me you’ll always be a great Penn Stater.
PSUEnrg02 - January 22, 2012
Anyone else watching the B1G special on Paterno right now?
The JuggerNitt - January 22, 2012
this is pissing me off already
First thing they start with is the fucking scandal
The JuggerNitt - January 22, 2012
agreed. This seems more a 60 minutes episode.
Then a fitting tribute for someone the day they died.
mleepsu08 - January 22, 2012
Yes and agreed.
Succss With Honor Always - January 22, 2012
Yeah, but let's hang on
and hope that it gets better . . . .
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
yeah
disgusting way to open. Bobby Bowden was surprisingly redeeming. Said he wrote Paterno to apologize for comments in press. Said he was misquoted
moosepsu - January 22, 2012 via Android app
I thought that was interesting too
Doesn’t surprise me that the media would twist his words though.
For anyone not watching, he said that his actual statement was that Paterno said it best when he said that with the benefit of hindsight he wished he had done more, but the media just printed “Bowden thinks Paterno should have done more.”
ppfcpp - January 22, 2012
Keith Jackson
doing a pretty good job of defending Joe and his record.
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
actual people seem respectful
media “personalities” seem to be douches (though I guess that is one type of “personality”, just didn’t think that’s what one would strive for)
The JuggerNitt - January 22, 2012
The media are the ones who keep going back to the scandal
No one else wants to talk about it, but the hosts keep bringing it up again.
ppfcpp - January 22, 2012
^ Truf
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
This, a thousand times. The media members have constantly brought up the scandal and tried to press people into commenting on it while most everyone else has focused on who Paterno was and his accomplishments.
It’s actually pretty amazing the stark contrast.
Laaaaazzz - January 23, 2012
The moment Tom Bradley realized Rece Davis was trying to steer him
And got a very stern resolve in his voice was pretty awesome. Off the record, he’d have probably told Rece to go fuck himself right then.
OctaShields - January 23, 2012
"Actual People" vs. "Media Personalities"
JuggerNitt makes an interesting point about “actual people” vs. “media personalities.” Among the former, I’d count folks like Bowden, Coach K, Ditka — people who wanted to be what they were (coaches) because of the intrinsic importance, to them, of that position. The same is true of guys like Keith Jackson — he was a broadcaster, who did what he did because of the intrinsic importance, to him, of presenting a game and telling a story. I think these “actual people” believe that attributes like integrity, honesty, and character are important to what they do and how they define themselves. That these people are known in the media, and to an extent are part of the media, comes as a result of their REAL life’s work — and, derivatively, as a result of their efforts at showing integrity, being honest, and exhibiting character.
Then you have the “media personalities.” I’d say that a great many of these folks do what they do because their main goal is to be famous for being in the media. The easiest and often quickest path to such fame is to be “bold,” which today is really a way to say outrageous. Shoot (or write or speak or type) first, ask questions later. No need for integrity, honesty, or character in this type of pursuit. Hell, actual thought is optional, and as far as I can tell, it’s often omitted in favor of reaction and base emotionalism. (Unfortunately, those seem to play well with media audiences that have no attention spans and little desire for anything more than mindless escapism. But enough of that social critique…)
I’ll submit to you that we should not be surprised or even disappointed that “media personalities” would have (and continue to espouse) such dim views of Joe. They’re constitutionally unable to understand what he did, and why his body of work means so much to “actual people,” let alone the rest of us.
NittanyLyndon - January 23, 2012
Very well done . . .
It is a fascinating postmodern phenomenon: They are celebrities because they are celebrities — which in a sense I suppose, makes them walking, talking tautologies.
SubLime - January 23, 2012
great point
the real people who put in the work as a coach or player required for recognition that led to a position as as media people – as opposed to those who gained their “fame” from a their looks or voice and an ability to make themselves noticed – are far more likely to appreciate Joe’s life work and refrain from taking cheap shots in order to further their careers. The fake people have no real standing or substance that makes their opinion valuable and they are more likely to attract and inspire the anonymous nimrods that spew their defamation all over the internet and in newspaper comments.
The fake people that only exist to read copy gain some symbiotic gravitas by sitting next to the real people and that’s a shame because the real people are so outnumbered.
aurabass - January 23, 2012
This is Colin Cowherd's raison d'etre
And it definitely applies to the media, but I think it also goes beyond them. There are legions of Americans who feel that their opinion on matters – even those which they ignore until the media covers them in great detail – is the only one of import, and that it must be shared in every comment section, via Twitter or Facebook, etc. The search for nuance, for true understanding is fast disappearing, perhaps gone. For many, the only choice is to absolute and unflinching, never attempting to see shades of gray.
This isn’t a young v. old issue. This isn’t even about Joe and the reaction to his passing (I personally regret the joy I took in watching Tressel lose his job; was there something motivating him beyond wins and losses? We sure want outsiders to think this of Joe). This is about the fact that many of us can’t watch a video tribute to Joe and look at the comments, because whether trying to be funny, critical, cynical or whatever, there is barely the ounce of decency to respect a man; a man who lived for 85 years and who’s acts of kindness, respect and humanity far outweigh his failings. Nothing we think, say or write can change the minds of those who are now firmly entrenched in their positions. I find this incredibly sad and ominous.
kijana's acl - January 23, 2012
sometimes I feel regret at my schadenfreude with Tressel & tat-gate,
but then I look at his entire body of work and see that at every level he acted in a way that flaunted the rules to which he was supposed to be constrained. This doesn’t degrade his life’s work outside of coaching football, but it is an indelible stain on his coaching legacy.
Compare that to Paterno: pretty much everything he’s done in every facet of his life has been what can be termed “good”. Sure, he was at times arrogant, petty, and spiteful, but never malicious. People are taking that entire body of work and are willing to throw it out because they think he might have intentionally covered up what Sandusky had done, despite the only known facts of the matter being that he reported the issue at hand through the proper channels. Maybe that wasn’t enough (but only because those to whom he reported it allegedly sat on the information and didn’t act appropriately), but it wasn’t malicious or wrong. (and this doesn’t even begin to address what people think he was supposedly trying to protect)
Even if we’re going to fault him for the moral shortcomings, he still earns at least a C (doing the bare minimum to pass). And for that he is a monster deserving of crucifixion?
The JuggerNitt - January 23, 2012
I merely used Tressel as an example where I did exactly what I am now condemning
I didn’t mean to compare Tressel’s body of work to Joe’s, but to merely point out my own failings and hypocrisy. I feel as though I’ve learned something about getting the media that we deserve through this entire process … and aged quite a bit.
Joe Paterno and Dean Smith remain my only sports heros.
kijana's acl - January 23, 2012
As much as it may pain
a lot of people to do this because Duke basketball is on par with the Yankees or ND in that you either love or hate them, I think Coach K needs to be added to that list.
I for one have always admired Duke basketball because I liked Coach K and he reminded me a bit of Joe, and have been called a bandwagon fan numerous times for it.
va2pennstate - January 23, 2012
I'm starting to come around on Coach K
It takes time to reform opinions. It’s especially hard for a UNC fan of nearly 30 years.
I like to think that I share Smith’s worldview and admire his successes in integrating Chapel Hill and the ACC as much as his successes on the court. Paterno and Smith are pretty similar in other ways as well: they didn’t win it all until well after they could/should have, they “only” won two titles and, most importantly, their legacies extended far beyond the field/court. And as much as I’ll never forget Testaverde to Giftopoulos, I will never forget Brown’s pass Worthy.
kijana's acl - January 23, 2012
I'm a Maryland alum.
I don’t have to like Duke to appreciate what K. has done for that program and school.
Tezcatlipoca - January 23, 2012
I appreciate what he's done for Duke
I just can’t place him on the same level as Paterno and Smith. That’s just personal bias/preference though.
kijana's acl - January 23, 2012
I regret my schadenfreude anyway
I was a bitch
letsgopsu - January 23, 2012
cassarole
I feel like a family member of the deceased, sitting around the house, numb, waiting for neighbors or church folk to bring a cassarole. But no one is coming, maybe because everyone that cares is also waiting in their home for their cassarole to arrive. Someone has to start making cassaroles soon so we can all take care of each other!
psuCHI - January 22, 2012
calling jessedotsmom
The JuggerNitt - January 22, 2012
Here ya go, folks.
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
feel better now....thanks!
psuCHI - January 22, 2012
The hell with cassarole!!!
I’ll bring Miller Lite, Miller High Life, and Jack Daniels.
Ab4PSU - January 23, 2012
There is a series of books written by a hilarious women called "The Sweet Potato Queens"
the books are funny stories and recipes are woven throughout. There is a whole chapter called “Funeral Food”. One of the recipes is “Death Chicken”. It talks about how southern people try to out-do each other in the food department when someone dies.
I highly recommend these books. Divas will be interested in something called “The Promise” which will get a guy to do anything you want.
letsgopsu - January 23, 2012
It is a great series of books.
The Sweet Potato Queens actually exist. They all live in and around Jackson, MS.
Paige2PSU - January 23, 2012
we should go to the parade Paige!
I emailed Jill O’Connor once about college FB and she emailed me back!
She was right when she said every women needs to wear a tiara for at least five minutes a day, it really DOES make you feel better (I am wearing mine now)
Also, this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzH53LbshmY
letsgopsu - January 23, 2012
Come on down!
Jackson’s only a few hours away. The parade is on Sat. March 17 this year!
Paige2PSU - January 23, 2012
Seriously, BTN, stop it.
His life wasn’t defined by the scandal. Even though that’s the freshest on everyone’s minds, just STOP IT NOW.
The JuggerNitt - January 22, 2012
Seriously.
Honor the man, stop trying to make it about more than that.
Succss With Honor Always - January 22, 2012
Any doubts the B1G hates PSU?
Not after watching 20 minutes of this garbage
moosepsu - January 22, 2012 via Android app
I just posted a rant in the 'media' thread in the fanposts
I will NEVER forgive them for this. I will not watch anything but Penn State games on this network for as long as I live. FUCK THE BTN!!!
PSUEnrg02 - January 22, 2012
Seriously!!! SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!
PSUEnrg02 - January 22, 2012
They bring in a beat writer from PITTSBURGH!!?!?!?
That’s it, I turned it off. I’ll never listen to those disgusting asshats again.
PSUEnrg02 - January 22, 2012
Ugh this is seriously getting worse as it goes on.
ppfcpp - January 22, 2012
sigh, I really wanted to watch a tribute to JoePa
this is sickening me. Good job at pulling a Laurenaitis, BTN.
The JuggerNitt - January 22, 2012
This is pathetic.
Succss With Honor Always - January 22, 2012
Deleted the recording and switched back
to the Giants-49ers game.
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
Seriously. I turned it on when they were recapping his career and thought it might be good
Then they immediately changed the focus.
Also, the BTN said, with regards to Joe’s actions with the scandal “he turned the information over to his superiors, but other than that he did nothing.” Are you kidding me BTN? What a terrible way to phrase that to make him look worse.
ppfcpp - January 22, 2012
They keep misquoting him too.
He never said “I should have done more.”
Succss With Honor Always - January 22, 2012
back to the NFCCG. eff this noise
moosepsu - January 22, 2012 via Android app
Same. The BTN are an embarrassment.
This is not a time to debate this shit. It is a time to pay tribute to Joe.
Succss With Honor Always - January 22, 2012
"he only did what he was supposed to, and what 99.9% of us would have done, but other than that he did nothing"
The JuggerNitt - January 22, 2012
The True Believer pipe dream goes something like this
Five years from now Spaniers’ memoirs come out and he relates how, to his great regret, he mislead JoePa for years as to the progress of the Sandusky investigation after tiring of Joe’s constant harranging on the subject. Just the look of Joe’s furrowed brow and stony-eyed stare, he says, caused him scores of sleepless nights as he continued to delude the venerable coach so unfaithfully.Yet in the book’s final chapter he insists the governor assured him this was all in the University’s “best interest”.
ESPN, having been purchased from Disney by the now-gazzilionaire Glen Beck in the weeks preceding the publication of Spanier’s shocking expose`, goes on record with a detailed admission of it’s conspiratorial role in attacking JoePa, Penn State, and anything rhyming with Nittany, and goes so far as to suggest they knew some of their information was coming from then-DA Linda Kelly, now serving 15-20 for conspiracy, fraud, and just being a very bad girl.
A 5 year honororiam is conducted on Joe Paterno Field at Beaver Stadium for Coach Paterno in conjunction with the Nittany Lion’s celebration of their 3rd National Championship following a sweep of the innagural 4 game NCAA Division I Paterno Playoff Classic that replaced the BCS in deciding the Div I national champion. Even the media wore white, and the glow from the stadium could be seen from Pittsburgh…
Or something like that……
PSUMarine78 - January 22, 2012
From your keyboard to
God’s screen, please, 78!!
Lord, please make this dream come true for all of us. Thank you! Amen.
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
I guess I'm a true believer.
For me, I don’t need to find out that Joe was misled for years. Joe asked McQuery, repeatedly, if he was alright with ‘it.’ He gave McQuery several opportunities to tell him that it wasn’t being handled correctly. What I would like to know is why McQuery never raised Joe’s suspicion. What I really want to know is what Curley and Schultz told Mike AND his father AND Dranov that prevented them from pressing it further. To me, by following up with Mike repeatedly weeks and months later, Joe was already absolved.
PSUEnrg02 - January 22, 2012
Yeah I agree
But unless someone or something spells it out in unmistakable, unquestionable terms….in other words takes absolute blame, no one (media) is going to listen or give a damn. I want to hear someone, I don’t really care who, say publicly, “it wasn’t Joe, it was my doing”.
PSUMarine78 - January 22, 2012
Ugh!!!
His biggest lesson was that he wished he had done more!?!? Really?
Also, Jim Delany, you do not get to comment on Joe Paterno. STFU!!
lexi1031 - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Nor do Lackey and the other
boot-licking officials who disgraced our alma mater.
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
They don't call it
the BigTurd Network for nothing
PSUMarine78 - January 22, 2012
It's up to us.
As someone noted, WE are Joe’s legacy — let’s live up to the example JoePa set for us.
WE ARE PENN STATE — not those talking heads who admire nothing but their own pictures on the screen.
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
I never expected ESPN to be more respectable than the BTN.
Succss With Honor Always - January 22, 2012
Don't expect it to last. Just don't.
OBrienSchofieldismyHero - January 23, 2012
The BTN really does not understand its audience right now.
Do they think anyone other than Penn State/JoePa fans are going to be watching this “tribute”? Most sports fans are gonna be watching the NFCCG, and others are either not going to care, or not want to watch a tribute to a man they think is a monster. Way to piss off your audience right now.
The JuggerNitt - January 22, 2012
I just emailed them.
It was not kind. I told them the half of it I could bear to watch disgusted me, that I’ll NEVER watch anything but PSU games on that network again, and that they should issue an apology to the Paternos, Penn State fans, and fans of human decency everywhere.
PSUEnrg02 - January 22, 2012
Is the email address on their site?
Succss With Honor Always - January 22, 2012
Just went to the 'contact us' page on the website.
You’re limited to 50 characters. Make them count.
PSUEnrg02 - January 22, 2012
FFFFFFFUUUUUUUCCCCCCCKKKKKKK YYYYYYYOOOOOOOUUUUUUU
The JuggerNitt - January 22, 2012
LOLZ.
I guess it was more than 50. Maybe it was 500. I don’t know. I just know I ran out way too fast.
PSUEnrg02 - January 22, 2012
Their email address format is
FirstName.LastName@btn.com
Mark Silverman is the President
I assume his email is Mark.Silverman@btn.com
Elizabeth Conlisk is the VP of Communications and University Relations
I know her email is Elizabeth.Conlisk@btn.com
I plan on using the communication channels made available to BTN Fan Council members to voice my displeasure.
stp147 - January 22, 2012
Good plan
Maybe alao contact somebody at PSU to let them know the BTN butchered it and fans noticed. The BigTen is a membership organization. They have to listen to their members.
reedjohnmiller - January 22, 2012 via mobile
I don't want to be pessimistic
today of all days, but the conference has crapped on us since Day One. I will not provide examples or rant further — today . . ..
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
You can also reach Elizabeth Conlisk by phone at
(312) 665-0726
stp147 - January 22, 2012
Thank you for the email addresses. I just sent them the following email.
Mark and Elizabeth:
To say that I am disappointed in the BTN’s handling of JoePa passing is an understatement. The BTN dropped the ball on a day that hundreds and thousands of PSU alumni/fans turned to the one network that should have provided a fair accounting of Joe’s legacy. Instead, we’re left with a travesty of a documentary piece where over 20 minutes was focused on the Sandusky scandal…the 61 years of dedication to his players, philanthropy, and PSU education was glossed over. I realize that delving into JoePa’s body of work would take real journalism, something you proved you sorely lack.
On a day when my family and friends turned to BTN to watch a tribute of a great man who made an impact in all our lives, we were left disgusted that the BTN decided to take additional jabs at his legacy. You lost millions of patrons overnight with your decision to slant the story. Sadly, we had to turn to ESPN to capture the essence of what made JoePa one of a kind. Ditka, Coach K, Saban, Holtz, Bowden, Urban were all featured with heart wrentching tributes. The BTN featured hack Pittsburgh journalists who had an ax to grind with JoePA.
If you want to win any PSU fans back to your network, take down your version of JoePa’s legacy. You’ve witnessed PSU’s famous white outs before on game day…if you don’t have the decency to do this, PSU fans/alumni will demonstrate what a “black out” looks like on the BTN. We’ll take to Twitter/Facebook and other social mediums to spread this message. Do the right thing.
ssd - January 23, 2012
Please let us know if you get a reply.
dontcallmescooter - January 23, 2012
I hate the "monopoly" that certain media outlets have for games.
I don’t want to support ESPN by watching their live broadcasts of Penn State, and now I don’t even really want to watch the BTN.
The JuggerNitt - January 23, 2012
Necessary evil
They pay dearly for that monopoly. And that money makes it possible for Penn State to have one of the best if not the best athletics program in America. And, contrary to popular belief, those sports programs support and augment the educational mission, not detract from it. All of that is largely paid for by the revenue football brings in from tv. The basketball teams also have a lot of tv money on their ledgers thanks to the Big Ten deals with BTN and ESPN, but PSU wouldn’t have been admitted to the BigTen if not for the football program, so that money could be counted as football revenue.
I’m hoping that in the future, tv and the Internet will merge and we’ll be able to buy access to PSU sports programming directly.
reedjohnmiller - January 24, 2012 via mobile
I really can't wait for the inevitable PPV programming
They could charge semi-absurd amounts and it will still save me money cuz I wouldn’t have to subscribe to certain packages I only watch for about 8 games a year.
The JuggerNitt - January 24, 2012
Well done and
encourage others to do the same. I’m glad they don’t offer BTN here in Virginia even though it deprives me of a few games a year; have heard nothing but negatives about that enterpri$e.
PSUMarine78 - January 22, 2012
They do offer it in VA
I have it… don’t watch it except when games are on…
belbijou - January 23, 2012
Thank you for speaking up for us!
belbijou - January 23, 2012
Its just like the shit TheOnion decided to run with earlier
popping off about Doctors informing their superiors about his death tomorrow. I nearly dog cursed out a friend of mine that linked to it, and said she’s entitled to her opinion and it has nothing to do with me. While I may not have played football, I did attend the university, I did run into him once on campus, and while he may not have affected my life personally I am a member of the Penn State family and it affects all of us in the family.
cmdpsu15 - January 22, 2012
Another pic.
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
I gave up my cable when the season ended
I’ll sign up again next year.
It’s not a bad way to live. I recommend it.
reedjohnmiller - January 22, 2012 via mobile
But I need the cooking channels
to create those yummy casseroles, RJM!
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
You can probably watch online
Everything is online now.
reedjohnmiller - January 22, 2012 via mobile
You kids.
I’m lucky to be able to find my way here . . . .
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
I posted a link in the fanshots
that you can use to sign Joe’s guestbook and leave a personal message.
PSUEnrg02 - January 22, 2012
Thanks for doing so, 02.
Nice way for us to communicate with the family.
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
One of a kind
What I loved most about Joe Paterno was that he was so different from every other football coach. Every other football coach is so annoyingly intense and so obviously meant to be a football coach. They are football 24/7. They speak in cliches, wear their headseats, and read off their sheet of plays. Meanwhile, Joe would quote Socrates in his press conferences Every time he spoke he’d surprise me because his perspective on things was so….Joe.. He was one of a kind in his profession and as much as he frustrated me at times, I’m going to miss that the most.
Bill O’Brien may be really successful at Penn State. I’m excited about the new chapter. But, having Joe Paterno as our football coach was always really cool just because of who he was. And it’s sad that such a unique, amazing man is no longer with us.
5 deaths in my life have brought me to tears. Joe Paterno’s was one of them. I’ll miss you. Rest in peace JoePa.
speedomike - January 22, 2012
This
ChrisHarrell's_stache05 - January 23, 2012
Wow.
That was really well written and just, perfect.
FB6244 - January 23, 2012
Westboro Church
says they will picket Joe’s funeral.
I’m a Christian, and shouldn’t judge, but Westboro seems to be made up of bigoted haters who do NOT represent Christ’s love and compassion.
I have tons of meetings late this week, but am seriously thinking of driving to SC, esp. if these haters are going to show up. I may need bail money if I do . . .
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
I got your back on the bail
But is a carry permit issued in Va valid in Pa? I think I may need that.
PSUMarine78 - January 22, 2012
IDK, 78.
I’m preparing my insanity defense.
Shall I pick you up on my drive from North Carolina?
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
In all seriousness
am checking schedules and with a friend who has rotary wings available about making the trip, though may be long legs for his helo.
PSUMarine78 - January 22, 2012
It's an eleven hour drive for me,
altho I’ll go to my Mom’s near Williamsport then head to SC.
Like Tailgate just posted, it all depends on when the services are . . . .
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
OK westboro baptist church is really anything but...
If you look at their membership, its 80% lawyers… and they have been known to be lawsuit happy… so dont attack em… in front of witnesses…
I hate everything about these guys, especially since they picketed their first soldiers funeral..
jaytay13 - January 22, 2012
This is true
They pretty much invite people to attack them so they can file lawsuits.
If they picket this, they’re going to need personal police guards. Because there may be literally tens (maybe hundreds) of thousands of people at this. There’s a good chance they won’t be able to file a lawsuit if a group gets fed up with their shit.
ppfcpp - January 22, 2012
You're exactly right
I was half-venting over my disgust for these people. We’ve (military) had alot of dealings with them showing up at funerals of our wartime KIAs, claiming God took them because there are gays in military. Sheer lunacy, but they are very savvy when it comes to their legal rights. They are better shamed than smacked.
PSUMarine78 - January 22, 2012
they are the KKK under a different name
letsgopsu - January 23, 2012
If I remember correctly,
The last time Westboro said they were going to picket in central PA was the funeral for the Amish children who died. They ended up not protesting, mainly due to threats on their lives from people in the area. I’m not suggesting anyone do this, but something tells me they won’t end up protesting this one either.
ppfcpp - January 22, 2012
Funny how righteous resolve breaks down in the face of honor
PSUMarine78 - January 22, 2012
They said they were going to protest at the Nebraska game.
But I don’t think they did.
dontcallmescooter - January 22, 2012
This
.any relationship between Westboro and Christian compassion is purely accidental as seems to happen with extremists who base their beliefs on fear and hatred – an extreme contradiction in conscience that is Fundamentally flawed and fraudulent.
If you want to galvanize support for the object of a protest the Phelps family is the obvious choice.
aurabass - January 22, 2012
Westboro Baptist ain't gonna do shit!!!
They were supposed to be at the Nebraska game and weren’t.
If they show up for Joe’s funeral, I’ll be there with railroad spikes and chains.
Guaranteed.
Ab4PSU - January 23, 2012
I always view them like this:
You know you’ve done something profoundly right if the WBC protests you.
dbl5030 - January 23, 2012
the only reason they have "church" in their title is for the tax benefits
and KKK, Skinheads and Nazi’s were already taken
letsgopsu - January 23, 2012
If the service
is on Friday night/Saturday, I’m heading to State College.
Tailgate Shogun - January 22, 2012
A lot of will.
MainLion - January 22, 2012
Good night, and God bless all.
May He give us peace in the midst of all this turmoil.
PSU_Lions_84 - January 22, 2012
night.
tlrpsu - January 22, 2012
wearing white shirt and blue tie to work tomorrow
… a small tribute to our beloved joepa
moosepsu - January 22, 2012 via Android app
Thank you Chris
Beautifully said
tc2621psu - January 22, 2012
I teared up while reading this.
Couldn’t have been more eloquently put, thank you for this post.
RossingtonCollins - January 22, 2012
RIP, Joe
gcdyersb - January 22, 2012
RIP Coach Paterno, from a Purdue fan
I remember when I was 8 and seeing him on TV. He seemed special and different from other college coaches. Maybe I hadn’t been told yet why his glasses were “uncool” (and I’ve long since stopped caring.) The more I saw and read of him, the more impressed I was. I was excited when Penn State joined the conference as I hoped I’d get to see Purdue play Penn State and Coach Paterno.
I know I found it hard to get mad even when Penn State football kept beating Purdue, even when Purdue was favored—I was at the crushing ‘99 game. And I remember when Purdue finally won a tough game at Penn State in 2004, I wanted to hear what he had to say. Not to gloat, but because I knew he’d be thoughtful and interesting, and maybe I knew Purdue might not be able to do it again for a while. It may be an unusually ugly loss for Penn State fans, but it’s a special memory for Purdue fans.
I’m sad right now. I tried to avoid sports news and thought maybe I’d read up on who won the championship games, etc., because they don’t really matter. And with news like this—they really don’t really matter.
Beavis Beefcake - January 22, 2012
thanks
tlrpsu - January 22, 2012
truely a sad day
he was a great man and a great role model. I don’t think I ever expected this day to come.
t1mmy10 - January 23, 2012
Here's what Bielema and Alvarez had to say.
OBrienSchofieldismyHero - January 23, 2012
Hardest Monday morning in a long time...
I couldn’t get away with wearing Penn State apparel to work today (I’d be fired), so I’m doing the next best thing I can do and have on a Penn State blue shirt and a blue and white tie.
Damnit, I can’t even imagine what opening day in 2012 is going to be like, after the Board and media realize how screwed up they’ve been and the rest of us see the team come onto the field for the first time.
Joe’d hate it, because he never sought glory, but I hope Penn State either does a black shoes logo on the field or has an actual pair of black shoes on the sideline where Joe will always be.
Tezcatlipoca - January 23, 2012
first time ever alternate uniforms: all black
The JuggerNitt - January 23, 2012
Even though the black unis would be awesome.
That day should be a happy day. That’s our opportunity to show that the legacy lives on.
belbijou - January 23, 2012
Such a sad final chapter
I had the fortune of meeting Joe years ago. I was a huge fan of his, reading everything I could get my hands on about him. I learned about him from my Dad and he used to tell me that this Coach did things the right way. I was only around 8 years old & I really didn’t know what he meant by that .I was a big fan of #22 John C. As time went by I finally understood what my Dad meant. I got into coaching hs football because I wanted to give something back and to be like Joe. The 1st couple of times I met him I was so dam scarred. He wasn’t the soft quiet nice guy I thought he was but that was how he was on the practice field. It was his office and I quickly learned that he had another side. He was recruiting one of my players one year and I had the opportunity to talk about 10-15 minutes with him one on one when the player was called to my office on the PA. Typical Joe, he wanted to wait until the period was over smh. He was an amazing man, we talked about a lot of stuff he was so smart so knowledgable on so may topics. He also had a good sense of humor too. I know I am rambling on but I am holding back tears. Joe was not a saint, he made mistakes, he did things wrong sometimes but he was as good a man as I have ever had the opportunity to meet. He did so much for so many people. It’s a shame what happened with the scandal, the media couldn’t wait to try and destroy an icon and make names for themselves. It’s also a shame the way the school handled him as well. He did so much good for them and to be treated like that- sad. There is no doubt members of that board had vendettas against him and saw the opportunity to strike back. Sorry to ramble it was not my purpose to say negative things but to say goodbye to Joe. RIP Coach Joe, my sympaties to the family and Sue.
NJDeadhead - January 23, 2012
Stunningly ...
…Gorgeous tribute Chris.
JoePa'sHornRimmedGlasses - January 23, 2012
How I'll remember JoePa
I never had the honor of taking to JoePa. I was lucky enough to speak with his wife on multiple occasions after Sunday morning mass, and can say that I truly respect her as much as I revere her husband. I won’t be able to remember JoePa for who he was, because I never knew that person.
I’ll remember JoePa, however, for the man his ideals and teachings helped me become. He brought a life philoso[hy to Penn State that will stick with me throughout my life. Every time I profess the importance of an education, every time I fight for the need for a quality Liberal Arts education, every time I realize that there is something much more important then myself, everytime I feel the love of the Penn State community, I’ll remember JoePa for what he stood for and taught to a man he never met.
tbs5005 - January 23, 2012
Lost productivity
I’d love to see research on how much productivity Penn State alums have lost at work over the last 2+ months.
speedomike - January 23, 2012
A lot
the day after they fired joe and really the whole week after the scandal I couldn’t do anything at work. Of course, thats assuming I did anything to begin with.
skarocksoi - January 23, 2012
Yeah, I had a really hard time that week.
I’m not accomplishing much today either. I’m just reading everything at Black Shoes Diaries and then switching to reading some Orioles stuff when I need to be cheered up (when the Orioles cheer you up, you know you’re in a bad place).
Tezcatlipoca - January 23, 2012
We're all lucky to still have jobs!
belbijou - January 23, 2012
More true than you know
I had rearranged my cube so that I could see the entrance to my cube and my computer at the same time right around Nov 2 or 3, It needed to be cleaned and it’s been the same for 2 years, on the 4th I found out my co-worker was being let go for “budgetary concerns”. Then it happened and I spent all day checking twitter/BSD on Monday and most of Tuesday trying to keep up. On Wednesday I found a little sticky note that said something along the lines of “Did you rearrange your cube to try to hide the fact that you browse the internet instead of doing work?”
Well, I was certainly shitting my pants. Thankfully it wasn’t my manager. I never figured out who it was, but he never mentioned it in an informal chat about my co-worker so I’m pretty sure it was just another cube-jockey with terrible timing for a little jab.
bconway6 - January 25, 2012
For me?
All of it.
I’ve been waaaay distracted.
Tailgate Shogun - January 23, 2012
I'd be afraid to find out.
I know mine has taken a more than healthy hit.
bconway6 - January 25, 2012
RIP Joe
Thank you for all you did for the Penn State family.
DrewRusse - January 23, 2012
Thank you BSD Family
It’s Monday morning here in LA, CA, and it’s raining hard, not quite the “white out” tribute that I saw last night in State College, but nonetheless fitting for the types of weather we get here in CA. Heaven gained a legend, but us mortals are still crying in anguish for loss of a great man.
I’m trying to get through my work emails, but I keep breaking down. I wish others around me knew how I feel, but if I try to explain what JoePa meant to me and my family, they would think I am a fanatic. That’s why at a time like this, I’m especially grateful for my BSD family.
ssd - January 23, 2012
Public Memorial Service Announced
http://www.centredaily.com/2012/01/23/3063215/funeral-arrangements-for-joe-paterno.html
belbijou - January 23, 2012
Darn
was hoping for Saturday. will need to juggle some things now.
Tailgate Shogun - January 23, 2012
Not ideal is it?
And we’re definitley not going to fit. Do you think public pressure will make them open the stadium? I’ll go shovel it, if that’s the problem.
belbijou - January 23, 2012
Gotta think
the family didn’t wanna wait until Saturday because they want to get it all over and done with as soon as possible. I know that’s how it was with my grandmother and great grandfather. To ask Sue and the rest of the family to wait until SAturday would be hard.
va2pennstate - January 23, 2012
Schedule conflicts at BJC for full weekend. No doubt why the date.
Just gracious of the family to have a service open to the public.
be4time - January 23, 2012
Rage
Local sports radio where I live here in Detroit Metro is giving me pure rage today (97.1 The Ticket). I’ve been unable to listen to these clowns for more than 30 seconds without shutting the radio off.
I’ve thought about calling in, but I’ve listened to these guys for far too long to believe it to be remotely possible to sway their opinion or even somewhat educate them. I know the call would end with myself being accused a pedophile.
Rather than directly quote any of the garbage they’re spewing I’ll just leave it as saying they are essentially portraying Joe Paterno as a devil who orchestrated an elaborate coverup at the university he owned who’s entire life was only about winning football games and nothing else. Quite similar to the garbage filling in the comments sections on all of the major news articles online.
I’m done venting. I know in my heart who Joe Paterno really is and that at 4:16 pm on Monday 1/23/12 Michigan still sucks…
dwlion - January 23, 2012
But that's exactly what must've happened!
Except for every known fact pointing otherwise.
PSU Mudder - January 23, 2012
Find a music station, if you still can.
Chris Grovich - January 23, 2012
I’ve been doing that for the most part of the last 3ish months. I’ll be happily surprised if I return from work this evening to still see my PSU flag hanging on my house. As an aside – thank you for all you’ve done and do here. It means a lot to me, especially living in enemy territory.
dwlion - January 23, 2012
Boycott
You need to never listen to such stations and consider boycotting their advertisers.
I’ve all but stopped listening to sports talk radio. So little of it has any value and a lot of it is just thinly veiled racism, homophobia, and misogyny.
reedjohnmiller - January 24, 2012 via mobile
Chris's post and this message board are the only things I have read about Joe since the news broke.
And it is all that I probably will read or listen to. Praise from people who only recently were tearing him down will simply cause deep anger, and that’s an emotion I do not want to feel right now. I have “known” Joe Paterno for more than four decades, first as a student and then as an alumni and fan. I do not need television retrospectives or bloviated articles from people who collectively have not benefited the world to the extent that Joe did, in order to help me know and understand Joe Paterno.
I already know. I already understand. We all do.
Dammit. I’m crying . . . again.
CvilleLion - January 23, 2012
hey
just wanted to say I’m sorry for your loss. I’d like to say that it’s our loss as well, but the truth is – when you have someone who does so much for a university and in understand emotional ties to a university – it’s only a loss for me as much as I understand how much it could hurt to lose someone like Joe Paterno.
Shit. I wish I could be more eloquent than that.
Put it this way – after all the years, the games, the mutual hatred and respect, I hope that you guys find someone who can be your next Joe Paterno (as if that’s even possible).
Good luck, God Bless You All.
As your designated new rival WE ARE PENN STATE (TOO)
Jon Johnston - January 23, 2012
thanks
tlrpsu - January 23, 2012
Nice job and thank you
I wanted to thank everyone who posts to this site. Sometimes I feel that it “talks me down from the ledge”. I was born and raised PSU – my family is 4 generations PSU, parents married on campus, 5 siblings are penn staters…and there’s more. I feel like i have been walking around in a dark haze the last couple months, but especially the last day. But every post reminds me that I am not alone. Of course I already knew this being a Penn Stater but you get my point right?! WE will get through this and WE will rebuild for WE ARE PENN STATE!!
PSUforever93 - January 23, 2012
great work
tlrpsu - January 23, 2012
everytime I stop crying, I see something like this
letsgopsu - January 23, 2012
yeah i know. i keep finding these things.
i haven’t cried. but this week with all of the ceremonies and such. it will likely strike with fury.
tlrpsu - January 23, 2012
are you made of stone?
I was crying in the airport in Fargo, on the plane, in my hotel in Chicago and on the plane home. Then on the drive home. And all night. And most of today, when I was not in a meeting or on a conference call. And now.
letsgopsu - January 23, 2012
no
i just refuse to let it hit me
tlrpsu - January 23, 2012
Bad Week
My 85 year old Grandpa just passed on today under similar circumstances while fighting cancer. Sad week.
BleedingBlue4Psu - January 23, 2012
Very sorry to hear that BB4PSU
That’s more grief than any person should carry in one week. Hang in there, and prayers for you and your family.
CvilleLion - January 23, 2012
My condolensces
I hope you’re able to find some measure of peace in these days
OctaShields - January 24, 2012
Media, Trustees, and Chemo responsible for JoePa's death
After the presstitutes crucified Paterno, the spineless board of trustees kicked him to the curb, then the quack doctors that make a living selling IV mustard gas derived poison to cancer patients, finished him off. Stress, loss of his life’s mission (PSU football), and cancer remedies that only enrich witch doctors, and kill patients, did in one of college football’s. legendary coaches. Like I stated before, the board of trustees, and media wh*res should be held accountable. PSU belongs to the students, and I believe that it was their decision to make about their football coach. The spirit of Joe Paterno lives on, with the student body of Penn State.
pink panther - January 23, 2012
Easy there chief
Unless you know details of his treatment, you shouldn’t be accusing somebody of malpractice or murder. That would be a bit like accusing people of knowing about a child molester when there is no evidence that they did. Not ok.
I’m sure Joe was under a lot of stress and that certainly doesn’t help one’s health. But he did not die of a broken heart. He died of complications from lung cancer.
All people die. It’s a fact of life. Cancer kills a lot of people regardless of how hard they fight it. Modern medicine also cures a lot of people. The outcome’s are determined by thousands of variables, most of which are outside the patient’s or doctors’ control. Many of the variables are still poorly understood. That’s why we should give to THON.
reedjohnmiller - January 24, 2012 via mobile
Cancer kills alot of people, because they dohn't want to cure it
Cancer is curable, but the FDA has blocked therapies and treatments because they do not profit big pharma. Doctors main just treat symptoms, profiting off of illness. Just google the work of Royal Rife, who cured cancer with electromagnetic frequencies. He was sued by the head of the FDA, and his equipment was confiscated. And there are others, like Jason Vale who cured his cancer with apricot seeds, also placed in prison for 5 years for selling seeds on the internet.
The only variables that are poorly understood is a gullible American public that has been donating money for 50 or more years to groups like the American Cancer Society, only to watch their relatives die from cancer, with lame excuses given. If you did your research, reed john miller, you would know what you are talking about. Why don’t you start with a google search on those who worked in the cancer industry, discussing how much of a profit making business it is to them, and why they don’t wnt any cancer cures. WAKE UP!.
pink panther - January 24, 2012
Sorry, not buying it
You’re barking up the wrong tree. I’ve covered FDA and write about medicine for a living. I’ve published tons of articles on the medical device and drug industry. I’ve been to countless medical meetings and FDA panels.
Cancer is not my specialty but I’m not some gullible sap. Don’t talk down to me.
Your conspiracy theories hold no water. Show me the science behind your apricot seed hypothesis and I’ll be happy to have an open mind about it. But if there’s no science – and i suspect there isn’t. One guy’s anecdote isn’t science – I’m happy to see charlatans selling false hope and snake oil go to jail.
Nobody trusts the pharma industry less than me. A lot of them would sell crack to kids if they could get away with it. But you’re making a common mistake. The pharma companies aren’t frauds. They’re more like extortionists or kidnappers. They have something that people need badly and can charge a fortune for it. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.
And FDA is unfairly maligned. I know a lot of those people. They’re good people working absurd hours for relatively low wages. If they don’t ask for enough clinical proof, the drugs will kill somebody and they get blamed. If they ask for a lot, the companies team up with the patient groups and accuse them of obstruction. They can’t please everyone do they do their best.
I’ll stop. I’ve heard all of this shit before. Try selling it somewhere else.
reedjohnmiller - January 24, 2012 via mobile
Sorry
“Nobody trusts the pharma industry less than I do.”
Grammar!!
reedjohnmiller - January 24, 2012 via mobile
Thank you for correcting your grammar
The SASHS English dept would be proud. :)
wonderlin - January 24, 2012
The electromagnetic frequency cure has been debunked.
And selling anything as a cure for cancer – without studies to back up the claim – is going to land you in hot water.
kijana's acl - January 24, 2012
Electromagnetic Frequencies!!!
Are you a hot, single lady?
WorldBFat - January 24, 2012
PhD in Biochemistry
but I don’t need that to debunk you. The fact that you think cancer is one disease curable by one method is all I need to know that you don’t understand what you are talking about.
The JuggerNitt - January 24, 2012
\biochemisted
letsgopsu - January 24, 2012
or \commonsensed
lionalum05 - January 25, 2012
YAY for Smart People!
Paige2PSU - January 25, 2012
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