A Legacy Destroyed

For better or for worse, deserved or undeserved, Joe Paterno, ex-coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, will be known for being involved in what is obviously the worst scandal in college football history.  The most wins in history; longest tenure in history; all-around nice guy; they all amount to nothing now.  He is well and surely disgraced.

The facts can only get worse from here (which is why Penn State had to fire him immediately).  The alleged criminal was apparently still lifting weights in the Penn State weight room last week!  Even after Coach Paterno and his other enablers were dragged before a grand jury as witnesses.  Imagine that. What does one do, drop in on his weight lifting session and tell him that he might be in a little trouble, but not to let it ruin his workout?  Amazingly callous and inept and, words fail to describe the nitwittery behind the handling of these allegations.

The interesting thing to me is that, had Coach Paterno retired when he should have, say 73 or 74 years old (2000), his sterling reputation would still be intact.  However, Coach Paterno didn't retired, indeed it appears to an outsider that he COULDN'T retire, that he had nothing else of value in his life to which he could dedicate his time, so he stumbled through the first decade of the 21st century, even throwing out his hip demonstrating an onside kick, which resulted in hip replacement surgery.  Yet he still couldn't go. 

What else can this be if not hubris?  The thinking that one man is so important that he must stay well past his prime because...because why exactly?  There were no coaches equal to Joe Pa?  Penn State needed Joe Pa?  No and no.  Because in the end, all of his value and meaning was wrapped up in being in charge of Penn State football and he couldn't let go.  And so...this.

I once heard Matt Millen, football commentator and Penn State player and graduate, recount a conversation he had with Joe Paterno.  He suggested that Coach Paterno at least have a succession plan in place for the benefit of Penn State football.  Coach Paterno told him in no uncertain terms to mind his own business.  Too bad Mr. Paterno didn't listen to Matt Millen, or anyone else for that matter, but that is how hubris works.

Goodbye, Coach.  You needed to go.  Sic transit gloria mundi.