Joe Paterno: Franco Harris' Support for Former Coach Will Only Lead to Dead Ends

Franco Harris has thrown his career away for a cause that is going nowhere. Harris has been busy lately voicing his support of his former coach Joe Paterno.

This is not support to which an enraged public is currently receptive, and Harris' comments have thrown him into the middle of the controversy.

Harris' Stance

Here is a sampling of Franco's thought, as found in comments quoted on WTAE.com:

"

There is a guy who is really undeserving of getting attacked in a brutal way, and I just can't sit by and let that happen.

I really want to get some answers. How do you justify the firing of Joe Paterno? And I want to know from the president, why aren't you rehiring Joe Paterno?

"

The Backlash

In response to his comments, he was fired from his job as a public spokesperson for The Meadows Racetrack and Casino. Here is the statement from the Casino, and found in the above linked article:

"

In light of the recent developments with Franco Harris regarding Joe Paterno's dismissal, Franco and The Meadows have mutually decided to put their business relationship on hold at this time.

"

That's not the only position Franco's comments have cost him.

As a result of that pressure, Harris has resigned.

Conclusion

Franco's adherence to his belief is admirable. He is fully cognizant of the fact that his opinion will cast him in a villain's light, and cost him money. However, he continues because he believes it is right. 

Admirable or not, though, Harris will gain nothing but self satisfaction from his quest. Joe Paterno will not only never get his coaching job back, but Penn State will likely only continue to distance itself from him.

People's emotions have been rubbed raw by the ugly nature of this scandal. The public feels betrayed, and Paterno is one of the faces of the betrayal. This has left people quick to cast venom and disgust towards anyone backing him.

The moment Harris chose to align himself with that face, he chose to end his career as an employable public figure.