PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — There’s an outpouring of prayers and support this weekend for former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno from university alumni to Nittany Lions’ fans to sports’ fans in general and many others, too.

Even in Oakland, the home of the University of Pittsburgh, people were talking about the legendary coach following reports Saturday that he remains hospitalized in serious condition.

The latest news has rekindled a sobering focus on what Paterno meant to Pennsylvania and the nation.

But as the Sandusky scandal ended Paterno’s tenure as coach and clouded his legacy, what do sports fans think his legacy will be?

“I think you have to separate his football legacy, you can never take away what that was, which was… it will never happen again,” said Bill Davis, of Fox Chapel. “He did a lot of great things for that university… he made that university what it is, that doesn’t take away from that scandal.”

“His legacy is being a good coach at Penn State,” Brad Amos, of McCandless, added. “He made a mistake. His legacy will be fine.”

Still others just wish that legacy had no tarnish at all.

“It’s just a shame that one scandal had to ruin his whole career,” Sherry Vock, of Murrysville, said. “I feel bad for him.”

Also, the president of the Penn State Alumni Group in Pittsburgh issued this statement on Saturday night.

It reads: “I’d like to thank Joe Paterno for all he has done for Penn State. We, as alumni, will fight to defend his good name and honor.”

RELATED LINKS:
Report: Paterno Spokesperson Says Former Coach In Serious Condition
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KDKA Coverage Of The Penn State Sex Abuse Scandal