Joe Paterno 1926-2012

EDIT 2: Joe Pa has passed away per a family statement.

EDIT: Apparently he is still fighting.  Per the article here.

Although the news is not too widespread yet, a radio report out of State College has confirmed Joe Paterno has passed away.  He was taken off a respirator this morning after his short lived battle with lung cancer.

Of course this is sad because a legend has passed, but I think it is even more sad because of the way he went out.  Not in shining lights and with accolades, but in shadows of shame and embarrassment.  We've all made various levels of mistakes in our lives, but our mistakes were not broadcast to an international audience.  Paterno's were.  Let us not forget the culprit in all of this mess, Jerry Sandusky.  Regardless of what was done and was not done, who was told and who was not told, Sandusky put Paterno and others around the football program in a terrible position with his disgusting crimes.

I'm no doctor, but surely the stress of the situation could not have been a positive influence on Paterno's fight against lung cancer.  As I write this, CBSsports.com has confirmed the news as well. One thing is for sure, Paterno won't be subjected to all of the outrage once the Sandusky trials begin.  I think now that he is passed, people will view him with more sympathetic eyes.  How sad that a living legend died in a veil of speculation.


Rest in Peace, Coach.