Published January 23. 2012 05:05PM
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - Anguished by an unthinkable scandal that shook a university and tarnished its proud football program, many in the Penn State community rallied around a common cause.
They mourned coach Joe Paterno's dismissal and questioned the motives of school leaders who pushed out Paterno in November in the wake of child sex abuse charges against a retired assistant coach.Alumni, fans and students already racked by emotions were jolted by a much greater loss when Paterno died Sunday of lung cancer at age 85 - and the grieving process again could be complicated following two tense months that often had the Paterno family and the school at odds.Former defensive end Jack Crawford said the scandal overshadowed Paterno's entire body of work and his dedication both on and off the field to Penn State.
Larry Leff/special to the times news This sign on the front porch of the McKeansburg Hotel expresses the sentiment of a number of former players, alumni and fans, after the death of legendary coach Joe Paterno on Sunday. Many believe his health declined rapidly after his dismissal from his coaching position because of the recent scandal that rocked the university. All American linebacker Matt Millen said that "Joe did not die of complications of his cancer but rather from a broken heart."