The family of legendary Penn State head coach Joe Paterno, who died on Jan. 22 to lung cancer, has reportedly decided to sell DVDs of his memorial service that took place in State College last week.
In a statement on Monday, Paterno’s son Scott said numerous media outlets have expressed interest in selling copies of the memorial that drew 12,000 people to Penn State’s arena, via the Centre Daily Times.
The family said they plan to launch a website where DVD copies can be purchased. The proceeds will go to charity.
Paterno died at 85 years of age, a little more than two months after he was fired from Penn State after the child abuse scandal involving former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. At the time of Paterno’s firing, numerous students showed their support outside his doorstep and there were also riots on campus.
Paterno fulfilled his legal responsibility in the Sandusky case, but there were questions whether he had a moral obligation to report Sandusky‘s alleged doings to the police when administration didn’t follow up.
Regardless, Paterno was lauded throughout his career as Penn State’s football coach. Not only has he won the most games in FBS history (409), he also donated much of his money to Penn State and helped numerous students. He and his wife Sue donated more than $4 million of their own money to Penn State and funded the school’s library. He was beloved by many students despite his involvement in the Penn State scandal.
Paterno leaves a lasting legacy on the football field at Penn State, becoming head coach in 1966 and winning two national championships in 1982 and 1986. He also led the Nittany Lions to five undefeated seasons and three Big Ten titles.
Regardless of where you stand on his involvement in the Penn State scandal, it’s clear that Paterno will always be remembered in State College as a man who was Penn State in many ways. His bond with the students may never be matched in college football.
