There's been a lot of chatter on the Freeh report about the conspiracy of silence at Penn State, especially as regards Joe Paterno's role in covering up Jerry Sandusky's actions over the past 14 years. A lot of talking heads are calling for PSU to receive the "death penalty"--being forced by the NCAA to drop football. I think that's too harsh because it punishes the current PSU players for something they had no role in. It also doesn't hurt those who were directly involved. Three of those, the past president, vice president, and athletic director will probably face prison time for their silence and their lies to the grand jury. Paterno, however, is forever beyond any earthly justice.

Paterno's legacy, though, is not beyond the "justice" of society. Right now, Paterno is the winningest coach in NCAA history. That is a black mark on the NCAA's record books. The solution, then, is simple. Vacate Penn State's wins since 1998. Current PSU players are not adversely affected. PSU continues to play football (which helps fund the university's other programs). And Joe Paterno is no longer listed in the record books, which is fitting because of the monstrous ring of secrecy he led.