Penn State coach Joe Paterno, left, talks with Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald before Saturday's game. Paterno also met with Fitzgerald's children during halftime, drawing criticism from some.
Apparently, Joe Paterno played good-will ambassador during halftime of Penn State’s game at Northwestern.
A touching move to some.
Another example of an old coach out of touch, to others.
Tina Akouris of the Chicago Sun Times blogged about how Paterno asked to meet the three young sons of Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald during halftime last Saturday night.
Paterno, nursing a sore hip and leg, was coaching once again from the press box. He said he does not attempt to make his way to the locker room at halftime to address his team because time restraints and his physical condition would make it too difficult.
A head coach glad-handing at halftime with his team locked in a close struggle? The Penn State message board fanatics were not too pleased. Not really surprised — but not pleased.
Fitzgerald, however, was impressed. Paterno has spoken publicly about his admiration for Fitzgerald.
“I haven’t even had a chance to talk to them about it,” Fitzgerald told the Sun-Times about his sons. “They will (understand what it meant) as things go along.
“I get it. When I was a kid growing up you were a fan of JoePa and they’ll understand. Joe is so gracious. For him to go ask someone to go get the kids, just tells you what kind of guy Joe is.”
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