(Image Source: Penn State )

 

BY: KYLIE MCGIVERN

 

Tainted or treasured? The nation weighs in on the legacy former Penn State coach Joe Paterno leaves behind. He died Sunday morning at age 85 from lung cancer treatment complications.

Here’s the Paterno family’s statement, via the LA Times:

“He died as he lived. He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been ... He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community.”

In October, Paterno became the winningest football coach in Division 1 history with 409 victories. But as CBS reports, his moment on top was short-lived.

“Days later, news of a sex scandal broke involving his former defensive coordinator -- and his career unravelled. Paterno came under fire for not going to police about allegations Jerry Sandusky sexually abused a young boy in the team’s locker room.”

Penn State fired Paterno after 46 years as head football coach. Just a week before his death, he gave an interview to the Washington Post explaining himself.

“I called my superiors, and I said, ‘Hey we got a problem I think. Would you guys look into it? Cause I didn’t know, you know... I had never had to deal with something like that. And I didn’t feel adequate.’”

But now, the truth about how much Paterno knew of the abuse may never be known. Through the scandal, many at Penn State stayed loyal to him. ABC reports --

“In his final hours, students returned to campus, leaving momentos beside the statue of that towering titan of college football. Inscribed on that statue, in his own words, ‘They asked me what I’d like written about me when I’m gone. I hope they write, that I made Penn State a better place.’”

And CNN summarizes what Paterno meant to the school.

“Perhaps more than any college football coach since Alabama’s Bear Bryants, Paterno was the symbol of his school.”

So -- will the legacy of Paterno’s coaching days be marred by the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal that ended them? The Orlando Sentinel looks at both sides.

“A legion of supporters mourn the death of a role model who molded thousands of young men, loved them, and taught them to be better people. … Another group of people stand ready to spit on Paterno's grave, appalled that he did not stand up for innocent children allegedly molested by a monster in Paterno's midst. The truth, as with most things, can be found somewhere in-between those extremes.”