Franco Harris Defends Joe Paterno
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – As the Penn State scandal enters its second week, more people are speaking out in support of Joe Paterno.
On Wednesday, Paterno announced he would retire after the season ended. Later that night, Penn State's Board of Trustees dismissed the legendary coach.
The firing caused riots to break out on campus and have led to harsh words from former players.
Former Steeler great Franco Harris gave his thoughts on the matter after paying a visit to Paterno over the weekend.
"That's the problem. People always try to connect things. Also, because of [the media], Joe keeps this alive. If it wasn't for Joe Paterno, [the media] wouldn't be here right now. [The media] wouldn't be following this issue. So, Joe is bringing more attention to this issue. But, for [the media] to connect him with this and put the blame on him, really disturbs me. He did his job. People higher than him, if it went all the way to the president, that's stuff that they should do, that they should take care of," Harris said.
On Sunday, Gov. Tom Corbett spoke about the issue as well on several morning talk shows.
Gov. Corbett said Mike McQueary had an obligation to stop the alleged child sexual assault he witnessed and failed to do so.
"He met the minimum obligation of reporting it up, but did not, in my opinion, meet a moral obligation that all of us would have," he said on NBC's "Meet the Press."
He also said he expects the legislature to pass tougher laws on reporting child sex abuse, possibly by the end of the year.
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