A year ago, the campus was flooded with mourners.”.He died more than two months after being fired in the frantic days following the arrest of former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky on child molestation charges in November 2011.On July 22, Penn State removed Paterno’s statue, which had been a gathering point for mourners last January.
The next day, the NCAA reacted with uncharacteristic swiftness in levying strict sanctions including a four-year bowl ban, strict scholarship cuts and a $60 million fine. He referred to one suggestion that aluminum alloy extrusion dated back years before aluminum pipe Paterno’s death, of naming the field at the stadium after the coach. Prosecutors said allegations occurred off and on campus, including the football facility.
Thank you Sue!”, referring to Paterno’s widow.But Bucci advocated for perspective. His legacy remains a sensitive topic for groups of alumni, former players and local residents. ”I don’t think now is the time to do it.Then, nodding his head in the direction of Paterno’s adorned gravesite, Hamm said, ”You can see here that Joe Paterno was Penn State, and Penn State will always be Joe Paterno. I think you have to wait.
At some point, Bucci said, the school should honor Paterno. Also, Paterno’s family has been planning what a spokesman has called a comprehensive response to Freeh’s findings.” Another sign posted near Paterno’s grave read ”Joe Paterno..”Former FBI director Louis Freeh released findings July 12 in the school’s internal investigation of the scandal.The retired defensive coordinator has been sentenced to at least 30 years in prison after being convicted of 45 criminal counts. Paterno’s reputation was tarnished after Freeh accused the coach and three former school administrators of covering up allegations against Sandusky.Supporters like Dan Hamm, a freshman from Williamsport, have said Paterno’s 46-year career as a whole should be taken into consideration, including the longtime coach’s focus on academics.STATE COLLEGE, Pa.”A day like today, those emotions might be high,” said Bucci, of Dayton, Md.