Penn State To Honor Joe Paterno Before Temple Game

Penn State will honor former head football coach Joe Paterno before their game against Temple University of September 17, according to a new promotional schedule released by the university's athletic department on Thursday.

The late legendary Penn State coach has been embroiled in controversy ever since the Jerry Sandusky case became public. Allegations have continued to surface that Paterno had long known about Sandusky's sexual abuse of children, even going as far as to tell an individual who complained about it: "I don’t want to hear about any of that kind of stuff, I have a football season to worry about."

The pre-game activities on September 17 will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Coach Paterno's first game as a Penn State head coach.

Penn State has come under fire for their handling of Paterno's complicated legacy. A statue of Paterno was removed in 2012, much to the ire of Penn State supporters. Many had rioted after Paterno was fired in late 2011, when details of the allegations surfaced.

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.

Paterno's family continues to vigorously deny the claims.

Image of Joe Paterno at Outback Bowl pep rally courtesy Frances Sonne via Creative Commons.