There will always be plenty of Joe Paterno supporters who believe the former Penn State coach did nothing wrong and was simply a victim of terrible circumstances. On Thursday, that group of people shrunk a bit when Freeh’s investigation concluded that Paterno was instrumental in covering up multiple instances of child sex abuse from assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. The backlash began almost instantly, including Nike’s decision to remove Paterno’s name from the Joe Paterno Child Care Center in Portland.
“It appears Joe made missteps that led to heartbreaking consequences,” Nike founder Phil Knight said. “I missed that Joe missed it, and I am extremely saddened on this day. My love for Joe and his family remains.”
Despite ESPN analysts and idiotic NFL receivers still defending his legacy, there’s no denying this changes things drastically for JoePa. It’s hard to argue that what he did for the lives of many young football players isn’t overshadowed by what he didn’t do for the lives of innocent young children.
Photo via Shutdown Corner
