Penn State Scandal: Paterno Can Save Legacy by Stepping Aside Right Now

It's been a rough couple of days for Joe Paterno. The 84-year-old football coach has garnered a lot of criticism for failing to do more with the Jerry Sandusky allegations brought to his attention and now, according to the New York Times, his job security is shaky at best.

"

Joe Paterno’s tenure as the coach of the Penn State football team will soon be over, perhaps within days or weeks, in the wake of a sexual abuse scandal that has implicated university officials, according to two people briefed on conversations among the university’s top officials.

"

Paterno doesn't have many options. It's hard to imagine him surviving the ongoing scandal as Penn State works to repair his image, so his best choice right now would be to step aside and walk away from the job he loves with every ounce of energy he has left.

By resigning from his post, it will at least make it appear as though Paterno realizes he made a mistake by not reporting Sandusky's actions to the police. By admitting the error of his ways, he would have a chance to save his legacy.

The United States is a nation of second chances. If someone who has made poor judgments shows true remorse and a desire to make things right, they're usually given an opportunity to do just that with minimal backlash.

If Paterno attempts to weather the storm and is forced out, things won't go as smoothly.

Under that scenario it will appear as though he feels that fulfilling his legal obligation was more than enough. Also, the fact brutal incidents occurred during his watch by a former member of his staff, it's possible friendship clouded his decision-making process.

He's tried to distance himself from that possibility by insinuating everybody has been fooled by Sandusky. Since Penn State has seemingly barred Paterno from speaking with the media, nobody is completely clear on his thoughts about what has taken place in the last couple of days.

Unless he has something groundbreaking to say about his role in the case, he might be better off remaining quiet anyway since it's unlikely his comments will sway many opinions.

Paterno should see the writing on the wall by now. Instead of stringing out the process and further damaging a nearly unmatched coaching legacy, he should announce his resignation along with an apology for what has occurred.

That's his best chance to regain respect from the legion of supporters who have begun to turn on him. Not to mention it will expedite Penn State's rebuilding process, which is going to be a long and winding road.

Joe Pa's run has been brilliant, but it's time to escape the spotlight before it gets too bright.