409-5-2-1. The 409 represents Joe Paterno's Win total during his tenure at Penn State. 5 is the number of times Joe Paterno has guided a team through a season unblemished. 2 represents the number of National Championships Joe Paterno has on his Hall of Fame resume. And 1 stands for the number of mistakes it can take to change a legacy. On Wednesday Joe Paterno announced his retirement effective at seasons end.
Nine years ago Paterno was informed of unspeakable misdeeds by one of his former assistants and a good friend, Jerry Sandusky. Exactly how the information was presented to him as well as how Paterno handled the situation has not been 100% confirmed at this point. What has been confirmed by Paterno himself is that he did in fact "hand it off" to the proper parties within the University. I suppose after the exchange of information Paterno went to the restroom and washed his hands of the filth because for the next nine years Sandusky would continue to have a office in the football facilities and continue to be part of the Penn State Football Family. At this point it appears the only action taken by Penn State was the request that Sandusky not bring any of the children to the University. As if to say, "whatever you do on your time is your business just don't make it ours".
Those who continue to support Paterno claim that he did report it. This statement is factualy correct however the heiracrchy of Penn State Football ends and begins with Joe Paterno. So during a time in which a member of your Football Family has such strong allegations thrown his way you pass the information on to someone else without confirming yourself? A basic element of management is deligation and follow up. Paterno chose to delegate such a important task to another member but in nine years he never once had the desire to find truth. And after the information was placed in his lap and after he made it someone elses problem it went without follow up for nine more years still allowing this disturbed person to continue to be a part of the lives of the eighty or so players he swore to protect.
At this time it appears Paterno will lead his team onto the field one last time in front of the home crowd. I have little doubt that many fans will salute his legacy conveniently having tuned out the last week or so. A persons life is shaped by their successes and failures but the final defining moment in a persons life is what they are remembered for. Some may choose to reference the National Championships and 409 career wins most however will choose to remember that one time when something more should have been done then simply passing it on. I hope come Saturday that the University does the right thing and no longer let's Paterno dictate how the story ends. The right thing is for the new era of Penn State football to begin this Saturday and this era doesn't include the name Paterno. However if the last twenty years are any indication this will be his final chapter to script. So Mr. Paterno may I have one request as you are waiting to guide your team out of the tunnel please take the time to reflect upon those who's lives could have been different had you just took matters into your own hands nine years ago, like a true legend would have done.
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