Joe Paterno tribute gets mixed reviews at Penn State

Happy Valley was far from uniform in its feelings on Saturday as Penn State's decision to honor disgraced former head coach Joe Paterno wasn't well received by a segment of the population.

The university announced that it would commemorate the late Paterno's first head-coaching victory 50 years ago this month, honoring him for his "impact to student-athletes" with three videos during Saturday's 34-27 win at State College, Pa.

Nittany Lions' fans gave a standing ovation after the first of the university's three videos honoring Paterno, who was fired in 2011 amid the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal.

Some Temple fans in attendance at Beaver Stadium took issue with the display, turning their backs in protest. One red-lettered sign read: "He turned his back. We'll turn ours."

Another protestor, Robert Hoatson, held a sign that read, "You forgot already." Hoatson runs an organization called Road to Recovery that helps survivors of sexual abuse.

"When I heard Penn State was organizing a tribute to Joe Paterno in any way, shape or form, my blood boiled again," Hoatson told ESPN. "It's outrageous."

Balloons and posters in memory of the coach were found near the former site of his bronze statue outside Beaver Stadium.

"I do appreciate that (Penn State is) doing something," former Nittany Lion and legendary Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris told ESPN. "It's a good first step."

Paterno, who was never charged with a crime related to the scandal, died in January 2012 at age 85. He finished his coaching career with 409 victories, but was fired on the heels of Sandusky being arrested for child sexual abuse.

Sandusky was convicted in June 2012 on 45 of 48 charges and is serving a 30- to 60-year sentence.