Editorial: Jan. 27 paper

Paterno a good man who erred

He won more football games than any other top-level coach. Although he blew up on the field from time to time, he projected rectitude. He was said to have stressed academics and citizenship. His university benefitted from his largess. Its library bears his name. Penn State's Joe Paterno died Sunday at age 85. The news appeared on the front pages of newspapers not only in Pennsylvania but in Richmond and throughout the nation.
The story attracted attention because of Paterno's stature as a coach — and because scandal clouded his final days. Allegations of child sex abuse by an assistant coach led to Paterno's dismissal, as university officials concluded the scandal stained the football program more generally. Critics said Paterno did not do enough after he learned of the misdeeds. They were right, although he may have met his narrow legal obligations.
Paterno's Nittany Lions completed five undefeated seasons and won two national crowns. Penn State produced numerous pros. It earned a reputation as Linebacker U. Paterno patrolled the sidelines while wearing a tie. He looked like a throwback.
Reality did not always live up to perception. Penn State went through an era when its players did not behave as scholars and gentlemen. Paterno reportedly preferred to subject athletes to disciplinary regimens different from those applying to mainstream students. Separate systems are wrong.
The general confession begs forgiveness for frail humans who have left undone those things that they ought to have done. Joe Paterno was a good man who erred. His monuments will bear an asterisk. — Richmond Times-Dispatch
Stafford County Sun editorials represent the opinion of the managing editor. Other columns, letters and cartoons on his page express the opinions of the authors and not necessarily the Stafford County Sun