This may not be a story relating to the NFL. In fact, it really doesn’t have to do with football. However, it is too big of a story to ignore. This is about doing what is right and standing up for something. This is about justice for the victims and showing that there is more to life than a game.
Penn State fired Joe Paterno earlier tonight in a move that was long overdue. People are outraged. People are confused, but people need to understand why the Penn State Board of Trustees did the right thing and did what they had to do. It would have been a disgrace for Paterno to coach another game at the university and thankfully, we won’t have to be subject to that.
Anyone with a brain knows that Joe Paterno needed to be fired. Earlier in the day, it was reporte that the university would allow Paterno to finish out his contract and retire under his own terms. That was a disgusting gesture. By making that decision, Penn State was sending the message that child rape is a minor issue and that football is more important than endangered children. Thankfully, the board came to their senses.
I’m not quite sure why there is outrage over the decision. Yes, Paterno won a lot of football games but there is a bigger issue at hand. If you have a child or a little brother or sister, would you feel that Paterno did enough to prevent this situation? Of course you wouldn’t.
Paterno was Penn State. Hell, he still is. All he had to do was open his mouth and tell authorities and all of this could have been avoided. It would have been that simple.
Instead, Paterno chose to ignore this and protect his friend and the brand of Penn State football. Is that really someone you want to lead your team? Is that who you want to be the face of your university? Is that who you want to put trust in to protect your child? I’m sure those of you with any sense answered no.
So it’s simple to see, Penn State was right in firing Joe Paterno.
Now another point. Don’t think that the criticism directed at Paterno means that we have all forgot about what Jerry Sandusky did. He is the real animal and criminal in this case and he will get what is coming to him.
Everyone involved in this situation deserved to be fired and most of them have been. The only person left standing is Matt McQueary, who was the graduate assistant that witnessed Sandusky raping a child. He, like Paterno, should immediately be removed. Sure, he told a man he trusted in Paterno and expected that he would do the right thing, but what kind of man witnesses a young boy being raped and doesn’t do anything about it himself?
McQueary needs to be the next to go. It’s a disgrace if he is allowed to disgrace the Penn State sideline ever again.
For the most part, Penn State got it right in this mess. Hats off to the board of trustees for standing up for what is right. This is much more than a football story. Hopefully more people can open their eyes and see that.
To stay up to date on the latest from NFL Spin Zone, become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter