Look, I went to Penn State... even tutored football players. I know how JoePa runs his program, I've seen firsthand. And while most days, I strongly disagree with the playcalling or seniors playing ahead of sometimes more talented freshmen, I can't blame Paterno for the recent problems off the field.
A coach can only do so much. He or she can set rules and then consequences for breaking the rules. A coach can motivate his players to be better on the field and off. But what an individual chooses to do is, well, up to him or her. We all have rules to follow, it's called life. And we all have choices. Are teachers to blame if every student doesn't learn a particular skill? Are parents to blame if a son or daughter gets in trouble with the law?
Do I think Paterno has control over the team? I'm not sure. I'm not sure he has in recent years. It would be like my grandfather, if still alive, was in charge of the team. I really can't expect him to relate to many of the "things" that go on in today's world. But still, no matter the generation, there's still right and wrong. Paterno has surrounded himself by younger coaches and assistants who can relate to players. Now, do you just boot all the bad eggs? I'm not sure about that either. There are plenty of examples of players who have been in trouble but turned themselves around after sitting out a couple games.
It's time that people take responsibilities for their own actions. The spotlight shouldn't be on Paterno losing control (that's nothing new), but how there's little moral integrity to follow the rules. I cannot remember a time when more Penn State football players have been in trouble than this year. It started this spring with an off-campus fight, then numerous players cited for underage drinking and now, Paterno is admitting there may be a player involved in a fight at the HUB.
Playing at Penn State is a privilege. Being that athletic to compete at that level is an honor. Many of the players are receiving free or reduced tuition. Mind you, they put in plenty of time and energy. On a lot of Saturdays, more than 100,000 people are cheering them on. It's getting harder to clap. It's time for the captains, the leaders of this team, to stand up and say enough. Take responsibility for your own actions and instead of tackling someone on campus, leave it for Beaver Stadium. You'll have plenty of drink (soda) at tailgates once you graduate.
