UNIVERSITY PARK – Former Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State running back Franco Harris has been one of Joe Paterno’s biggest defenders since the Penn State scandal broke. He’s still defending the late coach despite the Freeh Report.
Harris joined supporters at the bronze statue outside Beaver Stadium Friday night. He said deep down these people know the character of Paterno and that there isn’t any way he was involved in a cover-up.
Harris said he thinks justice was served with the Sandusky verdict, but that Paterno is also a victim, especially in the court of public opinion.
He again criticized Penn State trustees for what he calls a lack of leadership and that their decisions continue to hurt the University and its alumni.
There were rumors that the statue would be removed early Saturday morning, but Penn State officials say no final decision will be made until next week.