Penn State game will honor 50th anniversary of Paterno’s first game

Since October 2011, Paterno has not been recognized at Penn State’s home, Beaver Stadium (though he does appear in video clips broadcast before the games).

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Penn State will formally honor former head coach Joe Paterno for the first time since his 2011 firing during the team’s September 17 game against Temple, the university said within a news release Thursday. That he could ignore such a series of unconscionable, evil acts for so long is unforgivable, no matter how many games he won – well, unless you’re a die-hard Penn State fan. Paterno’s first game came against Maryland on September 17, 1966, and resulted in a 15-7 win. Many had rioted after Paterno was sacked in late 2011, when details of the allegations surfaced.

Penn State President Eric Barron and Athletic Director Sandy Barbour have said previously that the university would recognize Paterno at an appropriate time.

PS4RS has been critical of the university’s handling of the situation, from the firing of Paterno to the contracting of former Federal Bureau of Investigation director Louis Freeh to investigate the Sandusky scandal to the consent decree with the NCAA that led to historic penalties.

The reunion, which is not a university-affiliated event, is being organized by the Paterno family and a group of lettermen.

Documents unsealed in July also indicate further evidence that Penn State officials knew of the allegations against Sandusky in the 1970s and 80s and still did not report it. “Penn State must take these steps to begin to fix the damage done”.

The Lions and Owls will kick off at noon.

More updates to come.