Still “Doing It” After All These Years (Paterno’s no Hugh Hefner)
Posted by StormWarning on 30 Dec 2007 at 08:01 am | Tagged as: Commentary, Humor
For a moment, I’m stepping away from World events to make a comment about the Alamo Bowl between Penn State (24) and Texas A&M (17), and the horrendous “cheer” called by one A&M yell leader, who, during a pep rally Thursday night, told the crowd that Paterno is “on his death bed” and “someone needs to find him a casket.”
Joe Paterno is a gentleman of the “old school” all the way (sort of like Louie Carnesecca, the old St. John’s Redmen Basketball Coach, only different). Of the inappropriate “cheer,” Paterno commented:
“I think everybody has to take things with a grain of salt,” Paterno said. “Some young guy went up there, trying to be funny. Maybe he’s accurate, I don’t know. I honestly didn’t hear it, and I don’t particularly care about it. Sticks and stones will break your bones but names will never hurt you.”
In my opinion, the kid should publicly apologize to Paterno (the fact that A&M has apologized in my opinion is far from being enough)…the kid should also sit by the side of his grandfather (if he still has one) and give him a big hug, because if he is lucky enough to have a living grandparent…well, I think that the kid should never be allowed to live what he said down (and maybe in this Internet/You Tube era he won’t).
However, to me, aside from the fact that Penn State beat Texas A&M in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio last night, the most memorable moment came during the pre-game press conference (actually held a the same time as the pep rally). The banter between Paterno and his old friend, Ray Saul, the former sports editor of the Hazleton Standard Speaker was priceless and classic Paterno. Saul, asking a question about Paterno’s longevity:
“Joe, I have six weeks on you, I’m six weeks older than you,” Saul began.
“I know you are, Ray,” Paterno responded.
“My girlfriend said, ‘You [meaning Paterno] can still do it … you’re in great shape, you can still do it,’” Saul continued.
“I think you can still do it. You have been doing it, and you will continue to do it.”
“What are you talking about doing?” Paterno cracked, as the press corps erupted.
“Holy smokes, I’m not Hugh Hefner, you know.”
The game? Penn State beat Texas A&M 24-17. The game was Paterno’s 500th, and the victory was his 23rd win in 34 bowl games. As for the cheerleader? In my opinion, he’s gotten off too easily. He should be spanked.
Alamo Bowl, Hazleton Standard Speaker, Joe Paterno, Penn State, Ray Saul, San Antonio, Texas A&M
The Tennessee Titans won their game last night against the Colts. Of course I should note that the “A” team of the Colts sat on the bench and the “B” team played. Oh well, we are still in the game. The Colts gave us a gift.
Hey, if the man is still “doing it”, and he’s happy and healthy, leave him alone.
p.s. I didn’t mean you, I meant those young whipper-snappers who have no idea what this man stands for and what he has done, and is still doing.
Well, Debbie, I’m no Hugh Heffner either…but I “ain’t dead yet,neither!”