I Wish I Had Done More

"I wish I had done more." That is what Joe Paterno said in response to the question of whether he had done enough in regards to reporting the alleged instances of child molestation that came to his attention in regards to Jerry Sandusky.

Joe has made a career on foresight. His foresight as a football coach is what made Penn State a champion. His foresight as a mentor of men and as a believer in academics is what brought Penn State honor. Anyone who suggests Joe Paterno is the one who brought shame upon PSU just isn't paying attention.

Jerry Sandusky is the man who committed the crime (allegedly). Joe Paterno did what he was required to do by reporting the atrocities he heard.

Take a moment and think of how difficult that was. Reporting a hearsay instance of child molestation. You could be destroying a man's reputation and career. You could be bringing embarrassment and shame upon the family of a child. All based on something you never personally saw.

JoePa manned up and did it. It is only in hindsight, upon finding out that his superiors would not do their jobs and take the situation as seriously as he did, that he said "I wish I had done more".

I implore upon all that we make those words Joe Paterno's legacy. Joe Paterno was a man who was never satisfied with good or having done enough. Even when he did great he wanted to do more. He coached. He built a library. He molded men. He allowed legions of alumni to raise their chins with pride. And he still will.

Even after his death, JoePa will live on as the gold standard of what it means to be a College Football coach. Note how in that title, College comes first. JoePa remembered that. And because of that he did more. And we shall "Do More" too. Because "We Are Penn State".