The Unjustified Deification of Paterno

Comparisons between the Penn State and Catholic Church sexual abuse scandals are right on point. But the analogy extends beyond the nature of the crime. Fans treat sports like religion, and deify those who participate in them. Saturday and Sunday are no longer Sabbath days, but are days to watch college and pro football for millions of Americans.

The fan's reverence of sport - and of those who play on and coach their team - is no more evident than in the responses of the Penn State student body who came out in droves after their canonized coach was fired. Paterno had been deified by the PSU faithful for decades, and, in their eyes, could do no wrong. Rather than confronting the uncomfortable, yet undeniable reality, the student body averted their collective consciousness. Instead, they decided to sink back into the comforts of their delusion, blaming the media, the Board of Directors, and anyone else who attempted to elucidate the truth - that all men, even ones as revered as Paterno, are fallible.