Football is a rough sport. Injuries can happen anywhere at any time. Penn State football fans were again reminded of this on Sunday when news broke that their legendary coach, Joe Paterno, was blindsided by wide receiver Devon Smith. The accident occurred during a pass drill at Sunday’s practice.
In the collision with the diminutive and speedy Smith that knocked the 84- year old Paterno to the Holuba Hall turf, the coaching legend got back to his feet and finished practice. He would later go to Mount Nittany Medical Center to get checked out and would up spending the night as well as Monday night.
Coach Paterno still held his coaches meeting on Monday morning but did so via teleconference. He was released from the hospital on Tuesday with the great news that while he may be relegated to a golf cart at Wednesday’s practice, he would not need surgery for injuries to his right shoulder and pelvis. Aside from the fact that the Nittany Lions open the season in less than a month, hearing that Coach Paterno is on the mend after an incident that could have been much worse, once again has this a “Happy Valley”.
We love ya, Coach. Take care of yourself; we have a National Championship to win!