Joe Must Go - Thursday, July 31, 2008
226 Views :: 0 Comments ::  :: Michael Bradley Wednesday's announcement that Penn State coach Joe Paterno had kicked a pair of defensive linemen off the team for their roles in off-field dust-ups was intended to show the college football world PSU had things under control. If players were out of line, they would be dealt with, harshly and swiftly. If only that were the case. The evidence is mounting against Paterno and Penn State. Once the paragon of virtue in a slimy sea of college football misdeeds, the ancient coach now seems like the grandfather charged with trying to control a group of kids who can't wait to take advantage of his good nature and sagging watchdog skills. The recent Outside the Lines look at the Penn State program revealed some ugly numbers and realities about the Lions and emphasized the need to move on, before the school's reputation is sullied any further. Since 2002, 46 Penn State players have been charged with 163 criminal complaints, with 45 of the complaints resulting in convictions or guilty pleas. Last year alone, 17 players (one-fifth of the team's scholarship holders) were charged with 72 crimes. Nine charges resulted in guilty pleas. Were this Florida State, Tennessee or Oklahoma, the cries for probation would be deafening. Fortunately for Penn State, Paterno's good works, generosity and clean running of the program have built up substantial political capital. But it's running out. Worse, Paterno seems completely disengaged from the entire process. When the OTL interviewer asked him about the text message sent to a group of players alleged to have taken part in a brawl warning them to stay away from the school's Judicial Affairs department, Paterno claimed he didn't know how to text. Didn't own a computer, either. At a time when electronic communications are vital in recruiting, Paterno remains a Druid. Worse, the idea that someone else would be sending out a missive like that under Paterno's name -- without the coach's knowledge -- and directing players to avoid university protocol screams of a lack of institutional control. If this trend continues, and Penn State players continue to act as if there are no repercussions for their actions, the school will take a big hit. After decades of operating above the nasty fray of college football's sausage factory, PSU will look no better than the schools for which winning is the only thing. Paterno taught us that it can be done differently. It's time for him to step aside so that lesson can stay out there. This is the last year, Joe, for the good of the university. |