Joe Paterno Video: Watch JoePa Address Penn State Students on His Lawn

Thanks to the role he played in the Jerry Sandusky scandal, longtime Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno is losing supporters left and right. Pretty much overnight, one of the most respected men in the history of American sports has turned into one of the most controversial men in the history of American sports.

But apparently, JoePa still has plenty of fans. In an effort to show their support, they showed up on JoePa's front lawn on Tuesday night. Paterno was moved enough by their gesture to come out and share a few words.

And it's all on film.

If you watch the above video clip, you'll see JoePa emerge from his home to a roaring crowd. When things quieted down, JoePa shared a few words for the cameras. For the most part, he kept it simple, expressing how thankful he is for the support.

JoePa also touched briefly on Sandusky's crimes, saying that everyone should say a prayer for the alleged victims in the case.

"Tough life," he said, "when people do certain things to you."

Then he changed the subject by saying, "But anyway, you've been great." The crowd appreciated that part.

If you ask me, all of this is just plain wrong. We've been waiting for Paterno to speak publicly about the Sandusky case for several days now, and I think he chose quite possibly the worst time and the worst forum to do so, and he certainly could have chosen his words more carefully.

For example, Sandusky is accused of violating several young boys over a period of 15 years, and all JoePa has to say is "tough life?"

And people cheered this?

Not good. Not good at all. From beginning to end, this whole scene is shameful.

I guess that's just the way things are going at Penn State right now.