Penn State Football: It Doesn't Feel Right to See Jay Paterno on the Sidelines

One of the lessons that I learned at a young age is that family might mess with each other, but nobody messes with family. As I watched Jay Paterno take the field today for the Nittany Lions, that lesson came to mind.

I understand that Joe Paterno was in the wrong by not pushing the issue harder when the AD did not respond to allegations outlined in this grand jury summation. Public opinions differ on the issue of his firing. Perhaps he should have been allowed to finish the season. On the other hand, his immediate firing might have been the right choice.

Either way, he is now gone and the Paterno era at Penn State is over. When Joe Pa was fired, Jay should have resigned with him.

Jay should consider the emotional aspect of the players. Sometimes it is better to just rip the Band-Aid off in one pull.

Jay did nothing wrong as far as I know. However, he is a constant reminder of his father. Joe Paterno might have been the face of the Nittany Lions for the last 46 seasons, but this game should have been about the seniors.

Although Paterno had delegated much of the work of the head coach to his assistants, these players still loved Joe Pa. The events that have transpired over the last week have devastated them.

As hard as it was to go on the field, once the first hit transpired, it could have become a safe haven—instead, Jay was there as a reminder.

Secondly, Jay should have considered the emotional aspect of his father. Yes, Joe Paterno allegedly messed up. Yes, he should have gone to the police. However, at the end of the day, he is still Jay’s father. His dad needed him by his side more than the Nittany Lions did.

Joe Paterno is known as a coach who was not overly emotional. He just believed that every player and coach went to work and did his job. He might have even told Jay that he should coach in the game. However, this was probably the hardest moment of his father’s life.

He needed his son to be there and hug his neck. Much of the world has turned on Joe Pa, and it is understandable. As a result, he needs those closest to him. The reality is, this is likely the death of his career and public image.

Perhaps Jay did nothing wrong by coaching in today’s game—however, he did nothing right, either.