Watch CBS News

Buzz Bissinger: If Joe Paterno Died Of A Broken Heart, He Should Have Died Of Shame As Well

By Spike Eskin

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Buzz Bissinger recognizes that Joe Paterno did a lot of good for a lot of people over the last half-century, but says that can't be the only story.

"He should have quit, he simply should have quit. Let's not make him into a martyr or a victim," Bissinger told Angelo Cataldi and The Morning Team on 94WIP today.

Paterno's death came just three months after he was fired by the Penn State Board of Trustees for his part in the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal. Many Penn State supporters have said that the controversy, coverage, and the criticism that Paterno faced may have been responsible for his deteriorating health. Bissinger disagrees, saying this morning that "it's very convenient to say he died of a broken heart. But if he died of a broken heart, he also should have died of shame."

"Joe Paterno died of lung cancer. I don't think he died of a broken heart," Bissinger said.

Do you think the controversy was partially at fault for Paterno's death? Let us know in the comment section.

LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW:

Podcast

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.