From Mike Freeman of CBS Sports...
One NFC scout was asked how he felt about Joe Paterno leaving.
"I hate to see any of this stuff happening," the scout said, "but people in my line of work won't miss him."
The reason? Paterno was notorious for his abuse of scouts and personnel men who tried to interview players or the staff in preparation for the NFL draft and free agency
None of this stuff compares to the grand ugliness that happened at the school regarding molestation charges but it does open a small window -- a tiny one -- into how tight control Paterno had at the school.
It wasn't unusual for scouts to set up an appointment to speak with a player or group of players, or even Paterno himself, only to find after traveling to campus Paterno would cancel all appointments.
Eventually, I'm told, scouts were only allowed to come on certain open dates. Sometimes they'd be allowed to watch practice, sometimes not. Paterno had his favorites and would let certain scouts he liked or thought were friends of the program have better access to the team than others.
"Penn State was one of the worst places to try and do your job," said the scout.
Dan Shonka, a former scout, tweeted recently: "I have received several e-mails from retired and present #NFL scouts that reminded me that #JoePaterno hindered us from doing our job at #PennSt How so? #CoachPaterno had a rule that scouts could only visit on open dates and watching prospects during practice was not allowed. Many #scouts blame #PennSt busts over the years on the lack of info #CoachPaterno let out..."
It's amazing how fast people are now willing to tear down Paterno's Image. The lesson going forward, is to not buy or stand for the BS that a successful head football coach is somehow really a molder of men and a great guy, just because they win.
ReplyDeleteWhen you have a statue of a person erected at his place of work, don't be shocked when everybody loses perspective - the person, and everyone around them.
ReplyDeletePaterno was a jerk for many years and his "aw shucks" attitude hide what a controller he was at Penn State. Former President Spanier should have tossed him in 1999.
ReplyDeleteSorry to see adults are not in charge even at NFL Scouting. Remember the great NFL careers of Todd Blackledge, Kijana Carter, DJ Dozier, Lavar Arrington and the list goes on from 1983 to present. Penn State was called Linebacker U at one time. Never Quarterback U!
Paterno graduated many players and did great things for Penn State since 1966. He out lived his stay.
I would respect this kind of coverage a lot more while the guy's on top. All this tells me is that Mike Freeman (and pretty much everyone else) feeds us the party line until it's expedient not to. Too much butt covering in the world.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are
Delete