Penn State Scandal: Joe Paterno's Legacy Will Forever Be Tarnished

Joe Paterno has become synonymous with "Penn State" for decades.

But now "Penn State" is synonymous with "Jerry Sandusky," and it will tarnish Paterno's legacy in the end.

On Monday, it was announced Sandusky, Paterno's former defensive coordinator, was facing charges of sexual assault of young boys while he was at the university.

Two separate incidents in particular, in 1998 and 2002, were referenced. It led to Penn State placing athletics director Tim Curley on administrative leave and senior vice president Gary Schultz retiring.

However, as much as Penn State protects Paterno, as much as the legendary coach has done on the field, his legacy and name will forever be tarnished.

The truth is, while Paterno informed university administrators of Sandusky's alleged sexual assault of a young boy in 2002, he stopped there, even after the situation was swept under the rug. People will always hold that against him because he had a moral responsibility to expose Penn State and clung to the university and his job instead.

Joe Pa, as he is so affectionately called, was beloved around Penn State and the nation. He holds the record for most victories by an FBS coach. He is one of three active coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame. He's led Penn State to two national championships and five undefeated seasons during his career.

And all of that seems trivial when you are suspected of letting an alleged child abuser roam around campus.

Paterno's accomplishments on the field won't be forgotten, but the lovable grandfather image he exuded has all but vanished.