Sports

I feel sad that some celebrities have death as their best career move. Michael Jackson’s life became centered on his music and career again, not the allegations he had faced not too long before. Heath Ledger had been widely loved but his career reputation rose to new heights once he passed on. Bernie Madoff was one of the largest philanthropists ever but is now deeply hated because of one fatal decision. Joe Paterno’s recent passing, and the general reaction given the recent events surrounding the man, shows that death, not time, can often heal the wounds of public perception.

JoePa, as he was affectionately referred to by Nittany Lions fans, was a revered, larger-than-life figure in State College, Penn. He lived to the highest morals, coached the local team to victory, and led the life of a role model within his family. Paterno took the duties and responsibilities of a coach to the next level by ensuring his players became men. He created a “Grand Experiment” which combined academics and athletics. Paterno’s teams graduated 11 percent more players than the national average.

The fact that JoePa’s incredible characteristics were all shown with one program made for a deep level of attachment. Understandably, Joe Paterno will be a legend with Penn State forever, regardless of what reports come out about him. What about the rest of us, though? To the whole part of the world outside that town in Pennsylvania, this was a great man who made a big mistake. Up until three months ago, this was a man people would tell their children about, a man who lived with dignity and honor.

After he passed away on Sunday, people have begun to look at the old Joe Paterno and disregard the one of late. Countless articles have been written, and are still being written, asking people to think about the good that Paterno did, not just the bad. Arguments include that a lifetime full of greatness cannot and should not be tarnished by one single mistake. I agree with this completely, but to look past the action as if it does not hold relevance is utter madness. Paterno failed to act when he allegedly found out about sexual assault that was going on in his locker room. This was no action of petty theft, and the consequences involved extreme pain for very young people. Despite the fact that Paterno was not directly involved, people are asking society to forgive him of something of this magnitude.

Michael Jackson regained much of his reputation since 2009, but his hearing and its outcome are always mentioned with his name. Jackson’s personality never held the greatest amount of respect in the hearts of people, something which greatly separates him from Paterno. JoePa’s living legend status seemed cemented a few decades back. It continued for many years and, as the media has covered so well lately, Paterno made a gigantic mistake. He did all he was technically supposed to, but a man so heralded for his ethics would have fired Sandusky, at the very least.

So Paterno’s legacy, nay his character, cannot be explored without looking at the mistake the man made. He was a brilliant, honorable person but acted in and insensible manner. Although it seems like this should be excusable, if that were the case what would be the difference between Joe Paterno and Bernie Madoff?

This notion of condoning an action of this sort is quite absurd. Though I agree that Paterno was a good person, had a great personality and lived an altruistic life, I cannot accept the fact that his great deeds overshadowed a grave choice.

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