The Penn State scandal is a prime example of how difficult it is to have a consensus of opinion over any sports topic. While national media called for legendary coach Joe Paterno’s job for his failure to report allegations of sexual abuse to the proper authorities, the tight-knit community at State College came out to show support for the longtime coach.
Two sides with strong opinions can’t fathom the other’s point of view.
It’s the nature of sports. Rooting interests get in the way of fans’ ability to be objective about any topic — whether that is debating which team is better or justifying Wednesday night’s ruling by the board of trustees to fire Paterno.
No matter how disturbing the act, there will be some hometown fans wearing blinders.
When Michael Vick went to prison for his involvement in an illegal dogfighting ring, the former Falcons quarterback still had supporters in Atlanta. And while Tiger Woods’ approval rating has certainly dropped significantly since his extramarital affairs became public, he still remains the most followed golfer at any event he’s in.
Sports figures get put on a pedestal, and even facts fail to alter some fans’ opinions of their “heroes.”
And there is no sports figure more ingrained in a team and the surrounding community than Penn State’s football coach for 46 years.
The bias toward Paterno was evident in the tone and substance of some of the questions directed at board spokesman John Surma during a news conference Wednesday night.
The entire Penn State community is suffering from denial.
And whenever those in State College finally accept the reality of the situation, let’s hope the mob of people that came out to cheer for Paterno on Wednesday night will show that same support toward the real victims of these allegations.
– Jeffrey Tomik
