Joe Paterno's death from lung cancer Sunday just two months after his firing left many Penn State students, alumni and community members numb with grief and a sense that the legendary coach deserved better from the university after such a distinguished career.
“His legacy is without question as far as I'm concerned,” said 65-year-old Ed Hill of Altoona, a football season ticket-holder for 35 years. “The Board of Trustees threw him to the wolves. I think Joe was a scapegoat nationally. ... I'm heartbroken.”
On Sunday night, students began to gather in front of Penn State's administration building for a candlelight vigil to remember Paterno. It was to be the first of many events honoring him; school officials said they are working on plans to commemorate his life and career.
In death, Paterno received the praise that under normal circumstances might have been reserved for the retirement dinner he never received.
Gov. Tom Corbett said he had secured his place in Pennsylvania history and noted that “as both man and coach,” Paterno had “confronted adversities, both past and present, with grace and forbearance.”
Similar tributes were issued by politicians, university officials, former players and alumni. Some expressed hope that Paterno would be remembered more for his accomplishments than for his downfall. And some wondered whether his heartbreaking firing somehow hastened his death.
Paterno, who died at 85, was fired Nov. 9 by the Penn State trustees after he was criticized for not going to the police in 2002 when he was told that former assistant Jerry Sandusky had been seen molesting a boy in the showers at the football complex.
Paterno reported the allegations to university higher-ups, but it would be nearly a decade before Sandusky was arrested, and Paterno said he regretted having not done more. Pennsylvania's state police commissioner said the football coach may have met his legal duty but not his moral one.
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