Photo: Gene Puskar/AP
ESPN’s latest documentary will explore the legacy of one of the most famous coaches in college football,Joe Paterno.
The Paterno Legacyexamines the life and career of Paterno, whodied in 2012and served as the head coach of Penn State’s Nittany Lions football team from 1966 to 2011. While he was revered for most of his tenure, Paterno’s public perception soured in the wake of theJerry Sanduskysexual abuse scandal.
Just seconds later, the trailer shows footage from reports breaking the news of Sandusky’scrimes; the former assistant coach — who worked under Paterno — was eventuallyfound guiltyof45 of 48 countsof sexually abusing 10 boys over 15 years.
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In a press release announcingThe Paterno Legacy, ESPN states that the “allegations of sexual abuse of minors leveled against former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky in the fall of 2011 cast a dark shadow on the university, the football program, and Paterno.”
“The legendary coach was cast out and his legacy, which he had spent decades building, was in tatters,” ESPN adds.
Paterno’s son remarks in the trailer that his father went from “a revered patriarch” to “a reviled pariah.”
The trailer also shows the moment Paterno left Penn State. The coachretiredfrom his decades-long position with the university’s athletic program in 2011, saying at the time, “This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.”
He added, “My goals now are to keep my commitments to my players and staff and finish the season with dignity and determination. And then I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this university.”
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Among the interview subjects is Sandusky himself, who will speak withE60’s John Barr from prison. Sandusky is currently serving a sentence of 30 to 60 years.
The Paterno Legacypremieres at 8 p.m. ET on April 18 on ESPN. The hour-long documentary will also be available to stream on ESPN+ and the ESPN App.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
source: people.com
