Some people always overreact in any tense situation, such as those who have clamored to have the statue of Joe Paterno removed. It would be a mistake, another in a series of miscues that have been laid at the door of Pennsylvania State University.
The statue stands outside the stadium where JoePa led his Nittany Lion warriors to victory after victory, a string that spanned two generations.
His record is carved into the annals of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and will stand for all time.
They say Joe made some serious errors in handling the case of an assistant coach who has been found guilty of sexually molesting young boys. He has been accused of joining in a cover-up by school officials in an attempt to avoid bad publicity for the university.
If that is true, Joe made a mistake, one that was joined in by the president of the university. That may reflect on Paterno as a man, but not on Paterno’s accomplishments as the greatest collegiate football coach in the nation.
What Joe accomplished cannot be erased, even by revisionists who may want to change history-as-it-happened into history-as-they-wish-it-happened.
It is always popular with some to take pot shots at those who have achieved great things, and Paterno certainly fits into that category.
Paterno may have been wrong in his handling of the Jerry Sandusky problem, but few of his accusers can brag that they have never made an error in judgment.
The halls of fame in various sports include those who have made mistakes in their private lives but are there because of their great performances on the field.
There are two valid reasons why the statue of Paterno should remain on its pedestal outside the stadium.
First, it will honor a great coach for his accomplishments.
Second, it will be a reminder to present and future generations that even great people can make mistakes.
Bill Jones is a retired senior writer for The Tribune-Democrat.
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