Joe Paterno has been laid to rest and, with the ceremonies of this past week, healing has begun. However, for many affiliated with the university, an open wound remains – the Board of Trustees. They claim they had no choice but to fire Paterno. Perhaps that is true. Perhaps the mounting pressure from the media, critics, and others would have been a distraction and, as claimed, Paterno’s continued presence on the sidelines would become a detriment to the interests of the university. I happen to disagree but I’m willing to accept this possibility.
However, a large number of alumni and friends of Penn State can never accept the action of the trustees. For some, it was a flawed decision that resulted in the undignified termination of the man most responsible for the University we all know and love today. At Joe’s memorial, Phil Knight gave voice to this view and some 12,000 at the Jordan Center sent a clear message of agreement. Thousands more watching from around the state and the country likely added their voice to the applause inside the Jordan Center. For these Penn Staters, those involved in the termination of Joe Paterno will remain a distraction and detriment to the interests of the university unless and until they all resign. For the Board of Trustees, it is time to apply your own standard to yourself. You have become a distraction. In the best interests of the university, it is time to resign. All 32. Only then can the entire community heal.
