If Only

Former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, the winningest college football coach of all time, has died. Paterno, entrenched in Happy Valley having spent seven decades coaching the Lions, was recently fired in the aftermath of a horrendous child sex scandal which erupted at Penn State, with longtime Paterno assistant Jerry Sandusky having been arrested on over 40 counts.

Similar to Bear Bryant, who died within a month after retiring in 1983, it seemed obvious that the toll of the scandal, combined with his age and failing health, Paterno would not live much longer. The iconic coach had his reputation damaged significantly, and he was forced to exit the game he loved with his beloved university under extreme duress. One would have to conclude he died broken hearted over how these tragic events have destroyed lives and severely tainted Penn State University.

An immeasurable tragedy which continues to claim victims. If only those who had a chance, including Paterno, would have taken action. If only.