The Big Break Up?

"I'm getting way too old for this!"

Have you ever been in a relationship that lasted way too long? You guys were young and in love and did everything together. Your lives were intertwined so much that you couldn't live without one another. Then somehow over the years you started to grow apart because you no longer had common interests and it just seemed best to part ways before you guys began to hate each other.

Well in my opinion, that describes the relationship between Penn State and Joe Paterno. They've been together way too long and the people that are getting the short end of the stick are the players and the faithful Nittany Lion fans. Joe put Penn State on the map 45 years ago and they'll always be grateful for his many contributions to the university and to the game of college football.  He's major college football's All-time career wins leader with 401 victories for crying out loud! Since 1966 the word Penn State has been synonymous with "Joe Pa". Now I believe they should part ways. Although his contract expires after this season, he hasn't offered any clues as to whether he'll retire or not.

If the guy doesn't step down someone at Penn State needs to have the guts to pull the trigger and let him go. I know that sounds blasphemous but in the best interest of the program it has to happen at some point. Just like the good people at Florida State had to come to grips with the fact that it was time for the second in All-time wins, Bobby Bowden, to get on Renegade(the mascots horse) and ride out of Tallahassee.

Some decisions aren't easy but the program has to move forward with fresh idea's and young blood. Once Bowden was dismissed at Florida State new head coach "Jimbo" Fisher has gone nuts in the recruiting game. He's got them back into the top 5 to start the 2011 campaign and he's got one of the best recruiting classes in the country committed for 2012. Fisher's got the Seminoles back where they belong, on top. The Gator's dominance is over for at least the near future in the state of Florida with the Noles back in the game. This thing goes in cycles and now it's Florida States turn again. His success on the recruiting trail is largely a result of kids wanting to play for someone that is relevant and young enough to understand them.

My God, the 84 year old head coach can't even defend himself the sideline! The guy keeps getting run over.  He was just released from the hospital Tuesday, two days after getting blindsided at practice by a player and injuring his right shoulder and pelvis. Just a couple of  years ago he was run over in a game and had to the coach the rest of the season from the press box.

"Joe Pa" has laid the foundation thick in Happy Valley and should always be honored for that. Now it's time to ride off into the sunset and give the program to someone that can take it to the next level. I know that people don't want to hear that but let's keep it real when was the last time Joe really knew the game plan going into a ball game in 20 years?

I give him mad props for what he's done for the university and all of the guys that have come through the program. I'm thankful for all of his philanthropic work he's done for the school like giving several million dollars of his own money to help fund the university's library but it's time to go.  I'm appreciative of the fact that he put academics first in his program. According to the NCAA's 2008 Graduation Rates Report, Penn State's four-year Graduation Success Rate of 78% easily exceeds the 67% Division I average, second to only Northwestern among Big Ten institutions. That's all wonderful and should be applauded but it's time to stop holding the Nittany Lions hostage.

I'd like to see him go out with some class because if he doesn't just retire the university will look like a bully when they finally ask him to leave. It's all reminiscent of  the Florida State/Bobby Bowden break up and in my opinion, they both deserved better than that. So make it easy Joe and just walk away.

Holla At Ya Boy!
Jay Graves
Twitter: @jaygravesreport