Penn State Riot: Students' Unabashed Support Shows Joe Pa's Legacy Will Live On

The Penn State scandal is the worst ending possible for Joe Paterno's unparalleled career, but Penn State students are eager to ensure that it doesn't come to define it.

Joe Pa still deserves to have people in his corner. He made a mistake in not being more proactive in exposing Jerry Sandusky, and while that doesn't help the victims or their families, to say that Paterno is a bad human being and all the good he has done for Penn State and the world in general should be stricken from the record, is going overboard.

Then again, the students who decided to take part in an impromptu riot went overboard as well.

The knee-jerk reaction to their beloved coach prompted the students to take action. They went about it the wrong way and the demonstration was ridiculous, but the message was sent.

Joe Pa's legacy will never die.

He's unexpectedly become one of the most polarizing figures in sports. Even though he has become the face of the Penn State scandal, more so than Jerry Sandusky himself, there are fans who will never leave Paterno's side.

He's a man who is bigger than the program itself. He's been condemned by the masses, but the riot proves his legacy will live on forever.

Those who rioted aren't condoning child molestation by any means. They are just angered by the manner in which Paterno's career came to an end.

They could have exercised less destructive outlets to show their support, but the message was sent.