Joe Paterno Fired: Mike McQueary Gets Heat as Players Protect Embattled Coach

Joe Paterno is out. That means the stern looks and venomous feelings turn to wide receivers coach Mike McQueary. The only people that seem to be sticking up for him at the moment are the Penn State players. 

The students of Penn State were fuming at the firing of Joe Paterno who was always more father figure than he ever was a simple head coach. The emotion and passion has turned into venom for assistant coach Mike McQueary who continues to be a member of the coaching staff. 

The call from most people is that McQueary needs to meet the same fate that the much beloved JoePa did. According to the Grand Jury report, he saw an alleged instance and also failed to call the police, only conferring with Paterno. 

If Paterno was dismissed for similar small efforts, why wouldn't McQueary be held to the same standard? This question has lobbied many to fire shots at McQueary in sharp barbs through social media. It is also for that reason that McQueary will not be at the game on Saturday. 

USA Today reports McQueary has been asked not to be present at the Nebraska game this Saturday. His safety and the safety of others is cited. 

So who will stick up for the guy? The report quotes a couple players that have nothing but kind things to say about the embattled coach. 

Cornerback Stephon Morris stated: 

"

He's handled it very well. You would've thought nothing had ever happened...it's like that situation never came up. I want him out there, we need him out there, he has a good heart. A lot of people probably thought he could've done more, but he did what he could and he has a good heart.

"

Offensive lineman Chima Okoli made his feelings known: 

"

We try to tune it out. Everyone's entitled to their opinion and you can't please everyone. We're behind Mike 100 percent and he's actually one of my favorite coaches.

"

This signals to me something that has gone missing. The players are heading into a big game with their leadership being torn apart. This has to weigh heavily on a bunch of students that will be called upon to represent the university on Saturday. 

McQueary will be gone on Saturday. Paterno will be at home as well. That leaves the players to receive the brunt of the world's reception on Saturday. While that in no way can be averted or should it, there is still something very wrong about that.