5th
Paterno’s decision? Every player on the roster must help to clean Beaver Stadium on Sunday mornings after home games. “Not just the kids that were involved, because we’re all in it together,” Paterno said. “This is a team embarrassment. I wouldn’t call it anything much other than that.”
Paterno also promised additional punishment, including potential suspensions, for those who played a role in the fight.
How many other head coaches, in this day and age, choose the less lenient path?
Of course, this might turn out to be a shrewd psychological move by Paterno.
Not only does the shared punishment encourage the Nittany Lions to be more accountable to each other off the field, it might provide a subtle nudge on Saturdays, too.
Penn State faces an arduous home schedule this fall — Notre Dame, Wisconsin and Ohio State among the opponents — and fans might be tempted to express any disappointments by leaving excess trash in the stands. But if the Nittany Lions play up to their considerable potential? Maybe the fans will leave their seats spotless and allow their heroes to save their energies for a Bowl Championship Series run.
