Joe Paterno: Should the Former Coach Have a Role in Healing Process at Penn St.?

When Joseph Vincent Paterno began coaching football at a humble, agricultural institution at Pennsylvania State University as an assistant in 1950, the Nittany Lions would have no idea as to what kind of impact this Brooklyn native would inject into the school on both academic and athletic levels.

After 15 years of work alongside his college coach while at Brown University, Paterno would step into the head coaching position after Rip Engle retired following the 1965 season. From there the transformation from a rather unknown program into one of the most recognized public institutions began.

Since 1965, there has been no other name as connected to the words "Penn State University" as the name Paterno.

Then, the Jerry Sandusky scandal unraveled, placing an ugly spotlight on a football program and a university that has been a model for athletic and academic achievement, a combination that Paterno strived to instill.

Paterno promptly was released from his position as head coach, bringing about an uproar from the Penn State faithful as one of the University's iconic figures was forced out of a driver seat that led the program to a platform of success, recognition and integrity.

Perhaps the most telling affect during Paterno's reign at Penn State is the graduation rate of his football players at a rate of 74 percent as of 2007, nearly 20 points higher than the national average. He arguably redefined the meaning of a student-athlete, and he molded the concept into something very tangible.

Few will argue the kind of impression and dedication that Paterno has poured into the Penn State program. During his tenure in State College, the 5-time AFCA Coach of the Year was offered head coach positions for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New York Giants and at the University of Michigan. Paterno accepted a 1972 offer from the New England Patriots, but decided against it just three weeks after.

Instead of making the jump to bigger and brighter paychecks and the spotlight of professional sports, Paterno kept his post at Happy Valley where he would continue to morph the Nittany Lions program into what it is today.

Penn State football is at a crossroads right now, an assumed and inevitable position, though hardly imagined under these circumstances.

Paterno has put over 60 years into the program, building it into the scholastic and athletic institution that is is today. To rip him of his position as the king in Happy Valley is Caesar-esque in and of itself, but not to allow JoePa to have a say in the rebuilding process would be a crime.

He has been the face of Penn State football. To leave him out of his process completely would be to cut ties with the Paterno legacy entirely.

This is not how Paterno, the Penn State program or its faithful would want to see an incredible era come to a close with no epilogue in sight. With Paterno involved in the rebuilding process, it could provide the tiniest of closures for a man that brought the institution to the forefront of athletic and academic achievement.