The Menu
March 20, 2008 by Run Up The Score!
Is something cooking?
The Penn State Board of Trustees is expected to address Paterno’s future during meetings today and tomorrow at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington.
“It’ll definitely be on the menu,” said a trustee who requested anonymity.
Penn State athletic director Tim Curley and president Graham Spanier recently met with the 81-year-old Paterno, who is set to begin his 43rd season with the Nittany Lions when spring drills begin Monday. Paterno, the second-winningest coach in Division I history behind Florida State’s Bobby Bowden, has yet to receive a contract extension.
I think we’re well past the point where this could end amicably. Another story on Paterno’s future, courtesy of the Philly Inquirer:
Several times last season, Paterno said he would like to coach for at least two more years, maybe for as many as five. Spanier is obviously keeping his cards close, but he and Curley already have asked the coach to consider retirement at least once, over four years ago.
“It’s a very difficult situation,” said one trustee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “The man is a legend, so it’s not to be taken lightly. But each year he continues to coach, it’s going to become increasingly sticky.”
Those are the stakes as Spanier and the trustees head to the nation’s capital. While Spanier said he didn’t anticipate the subject’s being broached as it was during the January summit in State College, several trustees believed it would be on the table.
“I don’t see how it can be avoided,” another trustee said.
Spanier’s president’s report is scheduled for today, but will be made behind closed doors. Tomorrow’s session will be open to the public.
Paterno is expected to meet with reporters on Monday. With a new season approaching, the last questions he wants to field are those concerning his status. But the longer his future is unresolved, the more ominous it becomes for the team.
In summary: trustees today, weekend of speculation, Paterno meets with reporters on Monday. If there’s a change coming, nobody’s showing their cards yet.
The Mayflower in DC?
Isn’t that where Spitzer was wrecking that prostitute?
I hope these guys stick to football.
I just hope someone points out that Paterno is a stubborn old man that is wrecking a program.
Scrap scouted that kid for years; and because Papa Joe is running an outdated offense, has his idiot son coaching, and refuses to change - we lost another in state tallent
The Spitzer thing is a footnote in the history of the Mayflower. It is also where Sen. Henry Clay introduced the Mint Julep to Washington and by extension, the world. I enjoy going there for a drink, it is a beautiful hotel.
I have tickets to a reception there tonight, but alas, I am sick and unable to attend.
WFY is correct, the Mayflower is an awesome place and a landmark in DC. Great hotel and very classy, are you really surprised a politician had an affair?
By the way — anyone catch the John Adams mini series on HBO, awesome stuff
I agree STL. I’ve been waiting for it all year and it’s not letting me down so far.