I have long been a believer that athletes and coaches who have proven themselves as future hall of famers, or franchise greats should have the opportunity to leave on their own terms. That was until I watched the latest Penn State game. I love Jo Paterno, I do. I think that there is no one classier than Coach Paterno, he has always been more than about the wins and losses. Up until the last few years (I’ll get to that later) his teams have won with class, graduated players and produced quality football teams.

The last few games Coach Paterno has been coaching from the press box, which isn’t that big of a deal - he has some health issues so I understand. However, Coach Paterno didn’t even go down to the locker room during the half. He supposedly was linked via a wireless headset to the coaches in the room and could talk to the players and staff if he needed to.  There have also been rumors that he works part-time from home during the week, leaving much of the game planning to his staff.

Part of me feels bad for even writing this, like I said, I think Coach Paterno is all that is right with college football. But, I think the job of the coach is to lead, direct, and motivate. Not being able to meet with your team at the half to discuss what is going on, to scheme with your coaches, to motivate them for the second half, makes it appear that is nothing more than a figurehead.

Not to mention a report from ESPN that since 2002 Penn State has had 46 players involved in 163 criminal complaints and 27 players have been convicted or pleaded guilty to 45 counts. You can’t blame all of that on the coach, after all most of these guys are adults in the narrowest sense of the word and should be able to handle themselves accordingly. But as one of my coaches use to tell me “One time is an accident, two times is a coincidence, and three times is a pattern.” There has been an obvious pattern of legal issues, and maybe, just maybe, the coach and lack of discipline is to blame.

Coach, I know you are 81. I know that you love the game, and the University. I know that you are a symbol of what is great for the sport…but I think it’s time. My hope is that you win another championship this year. That you are carried off on the shoulders of the players who love you and you walk away.