Joe Paterno Statue: Officials Say They Won't Tear Down Smeared Icon's Statue

Emotions are running high at Penn State, so it goes without saying that rumors circulating that Joe Paterno's statue would be taken down was polarizing to say the least. 

USA Today reports the statue is safe, for now. It is unclear what we will find out next in this still unfolding story, but it's clear that the statue of Paterno's likeness is the least of university officials' worries. 

The report quotes Vice President of University Relations Bill Mahon as stating, "No university officials have discussed the statue in the last 10 days." 

The report goes on to say, "Mahon added there are more important issues to deal with right now than the future of the statue."

It goes without saying that the statue is the very last of the things officials need to decide on. However, fans have to wonder what will happen to the famous landmark that epitomizes what was once good about Penn State and what has been highlighted as the biggest issue. 

We still have no idea how culpable Paterno was in allowing things to allegedly continue with Jerry Sandusky and his supposed crimes. 

Even if he knew nothing, it has become apparent that Paterno may have been too ingrained in the University's culture. In fact, he was more of a sign of the football team than the Nittany Lions or even the name Penn State. At some point, that reverence must be questioned. 

Now if Paterno had in fact known more than he is letting on, every last shred of his legacy should be washed from the campus as the University attempts to cleanse its image. 

I am not here to deify or condemn the man until all facts are considered. If I were a betting man, I would have to side heavily that the statue will not be a permanent fixture. 

Consider the notion that the assumptions we all have about Sandusky are proven true. Now consider that Paterno knew what we all think he did. The statue must come down in that case. 

Mike Francesa of WFAN spoke with Matt Paknis, a former graduate assistant offensive line coach who worked under Paterno during the late 1980's. Francesa asked pointedly if there was anyway that Paterno would be ignorant to anything going on under his nose. 

Paknis answers: 

"

Impossible, impossible. Joe knows everything, Joe knows everything -- everything that goes on at that campus, everything that goes on clearly in the football program. It's like the [Bernie] Madoff thing. Not only did he cover it up, but there's no way that this wasn't apparent.

"

The conversation can be streamed here. 

There is still a small shred of hope that remains. There is that naive side of us all that would like to think that Paterno did everything in his power, and was all but blind to the worst of allegations. 

It is just too ridiculous of a story to believe, though. Paterno must have known the grotesque things that were alleged. If so, his silence must be addressed.