The Penn Stater Magazine

Joe Paterno = “A Bag of Nails”?

December 28, 2008 at 7:43 pm Tina Hay Leave a comment

Mark Johnston / Associated Press

The news media in southern California are writing a lot of stories in the run-up to Thursday’s Rose Bowl game, and yesterday’s Los Angeles Times had a highly complimentary story about Joe Paterno—in particular about his toughness in the face of the physical challenges he’s faced the past few seasons. The writer at one point calls him “the steeliest bag of nails on Penn State’s roster.”

I saw two minor inaccuracies in the piece. In talking about the three games Joe has missed in his 59 years at Penn State, it made mention of the trampoline accident that seriously injured “his son, Daniel.” I’m pretty sure Joe doesn’t have a kid named Daniel—it was David, if my memory serves me. And, in talking about the recent announcement that Joe will coach another three years, the story says, “Paterno might opt out sooner, but at least now there seems to be an end game.” I’m not sure that the Penn State announcement created an end game at all. In fact, it said that “…the parties might … alter the arrangement by either shortening or extending its length as necessary.” Who knows—Joe could well end up coaching beyond the 2011 season.

Still, the L.A. Times piece is a good read.

Tina Hay, editor

Entry filed under: Joe Paterno, Penn State football. Tags: Los Angeles Times, Rose Bowl.