I have stated this on here many times, but since the subject has come up again (and I hope that someone from PSU ICA reads this as they used to in the past) -
Forget the statue outside. I'm ok with putting a new one inside the all-sports museum once that is moved/expanded. But a statue isn't a high priority for me when it comes to honoring the man. If we want outside statues or physical representations of greatness, let's do something to honor teams/seasons, or a run of seasons (eg '68-'69, '71 thru '73, '77-'78, '80 thru '82, '85-'86, '94, '05, '08).
Imo, a better idea is to have a small group of wealthy alumni/Lettermen buy a facility downtown and create a JVP museum that is independent from the University. Obviously the family would have to have a huge say in all that. Proceeds could go to the Paterno Fellowship and to PA Special Olympics.
Forget retiring numbers. We know that Fester did that to stick it to Joe and his legacy for no good reason other than pettiness. Not sure even Capp really wanted it to happen. Create a Ring of Honor in the stadium, have interactive video screens that play highlights of the players and teams, show what they player did post-PSU either in the pros but more importantly in life. Make the numbers associated with the all-timers hold special meaning with the current team, and award those numbers to players who have earned it in the eyes of their coaches and teammates. e.g. #11 and #31 going to the top LBers, #12 and #14 to top QBs, Cappy's #22 to a top RB, etc.
I have heard that Neeli and Kraft are good with embracing honoring JVP and the football history and legacy, as well as all sports. They are open to learning what the facts are beyond the headlines and sound bites from 10-11 years ago. I assume they have to pick their spots, do some things on the low-key like they did at Medlar Field last Saturday a.m., and make strides rather than a giant leap. I'm ok with that approach. They can't win by retrying the entire case, but they can state with confidence and courage that they know that JVP got a raw deal for nothing he did wrong, and now we're going to let it be known that we honor the wonderful contributions he and Sue and his staffs and teams did for Penn State both on and off the field.
I'm encouraged that Pat and Neeli have, to this early point, shown some courage of leadership in these and other areas of athletics. I want us to be successful in all sports. I want us to hang on to as much ethical sanity as possible in that endeavor. Times have changed and will continue to evolve. I want us to embrace that, help to lead that, and win while doing it - just not "at all costs". Success With Honor can still be our thing, even in the age of NIL and open door xfers. I believe we fans should demand it, and hold admin and coaching leadership accountable to accomplish it.
(Also, show scores from other 1A games on the ribbon boards during any lulls in the action! And upgrade the WiFi!!!)
