Movie Review: Jason Bourne

It works because it’s the same and it doesn’t because it isn’t.

Layered beneath geopolitics, conspiracy, surveillance, espionage, corruption, identity and discovery is Jason Bourne the character, the spy of the 21st century. It is this envelope of themes that developed a parallel alongside Bourne’s chase of his own identity and it is this same parallel that defines the trilogy. While Bourne carries his own narrative weight, it’s the diabolical societal aspects that keep the motor running so smoothly and make the trilogy what it is.

Ultimatum was a clean conclusion because Bourne had discovered all there was to uncover about himself and about the United States’ elaborate labyrinth of special ops branches. The stunt work was never questioned, the tenacity never reviled, the character lines never misconstrued and the supposed fears never debunked. It just made sense. In a post-9/11 world, all these things seemed possible. Despite the negative glow surrounding their actions, there are plenty that would still support the government if they were to act in this manner, only adding to the complexity of the story and conflicted protagonist.

All of this to say the moment Jason Bourne hit the river, the credits should have ruled on the film and the series. If you want to make a similar character and continue with the same parlance, by all means do so. Bourne has run his course. Pass the baton.

As we’ve seen with Hollywood, they don’t like to. Their confidence in their own ability turns to arrogance, eventually tarnishing the image they once had and the character they once symbolized. We’ve seen sequels discredit original properties (A Good Day to Die Hard comes to mind) and in some cases, do irreparable damage.

Thankfully, we don’t need to enter the war room and decide if this saga has entered the domain of no return yet but what Jason Bourne affirms is it’s fast approaching.

For all that it is, Jason Bourne can’t help but feel like a run-of-the-mill action chapter rather than a once-in-a-lifetime experience the original three provided us. The trilogy is by no means beyond reproach but it is certainly memorable and sticks out of the long array of titles you’re bound to see on your bookshelf as you exit the house. It’s prominent.

The same carefully marinated verve we see in Identity, Supremacy and Ultimatum is not here. Greengrass does all he can to try and conjure that same flavor but it’s hard to articulate a taste you last lavished in nine years ago. Some volcanoes should stay dormant. Jason Bourne only echoes that sentiment.

That’s not to say there isn’t some fine work done here. Alicia Vikander, fresh off her Academy Award for her work in The Danish Girl, brings a much-needed change of pace to the table, adding a thin filament of distraction to veil the abrasions from a script fighting itself.

The choreography can’t help but feel like something we’ve all seen before rather than original, lacking the fine execution that makes art and food what it is. The exquisite touches are what stick out to both critics and audiences. The main course is fine, essentially average but the particular and specific sculpting we usually see in these Bourne movies just isn’t there, made all the worse when your film is titled Jason Bourne.

Matt Damon seems in search of himself once again but this time in an unorthodox way the storyline forces him to observe. We all know who Bourne is by this point. The idea the film tries to suggest otherwise is just silly, which might be and probably is why this plot feels distant to its viewers. Like a salesman that’s already sold you on the merits of a product but insists there’s more he has to talk about, Bourne begins to become taxing at points, mainly when it becomes confirmed we’re not having anything new presented to us. Like that salesman, he’s telling us stuff we already know. That’s fine, we are enamored with the product but we don’t need to hear it again. It comes across as a waste of time more than anything else.

There’s some entertainment to be had seeing Damon as Bourne again and reliving the themes of this 9/11 world but it would be far better if Damon wasn’t asked to chase his character for a fourth time and instead could just be it. Jason Bourne’s whole backstory was already revealed to us. There’s no need to do so again.

Imagine a magician who makes a rabbit appear. It’s quite magical and impressive. Said magician then puts a blanket in front of the bunny and expects you to be amazed again, surmising he can recreate the same reaction by using a strip of cloth and then is mystified when his audience doesn’t applaud. That’s what we have here.

Once again, if you’re new to my blog, I’ve always ranked movies on a scale of 0-100 (I don’t know why, I just always have). Here’s the grading scale.  

90-100  It’s a great movie and definitely one worth buying. (Captain America: Civil War, Deadpool, Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Avengers, The Babadook)

80-89   It was a pretty good movie and definitely one worth seeing, but it doesn’t quite scratch my top ten percentile. (Olympus Has Fallen, The Cable Guy, The Cabin in the Woods, Tears of the Sun, Edge of Tomorrow)

70-79   It’s okay but I’ve seen better. It has its moments, but it has its flaws, too. (Ghostbusters (2016), Batman, Free State of Jones, The Running Man, 10 Cloverfield Lane)

60-69   It’s got plenty wrong with it but I still got enjoyment out of this one. (Suicide Squad, Batman Forever, The Crow, Hardcore Henry, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice)

50-59   This movie isn’t intolerable but it’s not blowing my mind either. I’m trying really hard to get some sort of enjoyment out of this. (Underworld, The Do-Over, X-Men: Apocalypse, D-Tox/Eye See You, Constantine)

40-49   This movie is just mediocre. It’s not doing anything other than the bare minimal, so morbidly boring that sometimes I’m actually angry I watched this. (Underworld: Evolution, Batman & Robin, Bloodsport, War, The Ridiculous 6)

30-39   Definitely worse than mediocre, the 30′s ironically define the 1930′s, full of depression, lack of accomplishments, poverty and just so dumb. (Independence Day: Resurgence, The Crow: City of Angels, Centurion, Planet of the Apes, Stonados)

20-29   What did I just watch? Cliches, stupidity, nothingness, did I mention stupidity? Just…wow. (Avalanche Sharks, Catwoman, The Gunman, The Visit, The Fantastic Four)

0-19      Watching this movie resulted in one or more of the following: seizure, loss of brain cells, falling asleep/unconsciousness, feel you wasted your time/day, accomplished nothing for you, left the movie knowing less about it then you did going into it, constantly asking yourself why you came to see this movie, or near-death experience. In short, staring at a wall was just as entertaining as watching this movie. This movie deserved a sticker or a label that said, “WARNING: EXTREME AMOUNT OF SUCKAGE.” (The Coed and the Zombie Stoner, The Forbidden Dimensions, Cyborg, Outcast, Sabotage)

My score for Jason Bourne: 68.

It has some fun to offer, most evidently the nostalgia it affords but Jason Bourne doesn’t have the best Bourne can offer, making its title inconvenient and unearned. Adequate turns from Vikander and Tommy Lee Jones ain’t gonna change that and neither can Damon, despite all of his attempts to do so. In a year at the theaters that continues to disappoint, Jason Bourne is yet another example.

2016-2017 NFL Power Rankings: Week 2

Sorry it’s late this week.

1. Broncos (+0)

A solid win over a weak Indy team ain’t going to remove them from their rightful throne.

2. Panthers (+0)

A defense-first team dropping 46 points is a solid performance, even if it’s against San Francisco.

3. Patriots (+0)

Another win without Brady. The Patriots look really good right now.

4. Steelers (+0)

A win over the Bengals asserts Pittsburgh is the best team in the AFC North.

5. Jets (+2)

The Jets are known for their defense but on Thursday night, they shined on the arm of Ryan Fitzpatrick and the brute force of Matt Forte.

6. Bengals (+0)

Cincinnati didn’t play their best football. A crucial point in the game came when the Bengals were given first and goal at the 2 and couldn’t get six. They’ve always struggled against the Steelers. They need to find a way to get past that.

7. Packers (-2)

Aaron Rodgers got a little heated with reporters when they started questioning the offense’s execution and ability. They lost to Minnesota without Adrian Peterson or Teddy Bridgewater. Not the Packers were used to seeing thus far.

8. Cardinals (+0)

They beat the Bucs. The impression that sticks with me is their performance against New England, not their thrashing of a juvenile team.

9. Vikings (+9)

Big performance in a brand new stadium. Bradford played quite well in his first time in a purple uniform and Stefon Diggs had the performance of the week. The Vikings defense is for real and so are Minnesota’s playoff chances, regardless of who they put on the field.

10. Texans (+2)

Osweiler, Lamar Miller and DeAndre Hopkins are carrying the team on offense, with a still emerging Will Fuller along for the ride. I question their depth on offense, however.

11. Chiefs (-1)

Lost a one score game to Houston. Jamaal Charles is still in recovery. The idea they’re able to compete without him is worth some praise.

12. Raiders (-1)

The defense was overhyped, giving up 30+ points in back-to-back weeks against two teams from the NFC South. The offense has carried them through those two games to a 1-1 record. I’m interested to see how they hold up against better competition but we won’t be finding out this week against Tennessee.

13. Dolphins (+2)

A solid performance against Seattle and competitive match against New England provide some hope for Miami. They didn’t win either game, but I think they’re the best team that’s yet to win.

14. Giants (-1)

Eli Manning should be having a big year with OBJ and a healthy Victor Cruz and Rashad Jennings, not to mention all the help he’s getting on defense with the offseason acquisitions the Giants made. He has not put up the numbers yet and if he doesn’t soon, the Giants are going to lose their grip in the NFC East.

15. Seahawks (-1)

A 9-3 loss to the Rams is not what Seattle needed early in the season. The run game hasn’t been there as of yet. Thomas Rawls hasn’t gotten the lead back duties and no one on offense is shining very bright in Seattle, Russ included.

16. Jaguars (-7)

Chances are they’ll be dropping a lot farther. A 35-0 thrashing at the hands of San Diego before they even put points on the board isn’t promising. Perhaps Green Bay was playing down to their competition after all.

17. Lions (-1)

Detroit doesn’t have a lot going on defense and with Abdullah’s injury, probably won’t have a lot going on offense either.

18. Chargers (+2)

San Diego came out firing against Jacksonville. They looked pissed after blowing their lead week one.

19. Eagles (+4)

I’m not getting too excited yet but Philly looks competent. Wentz hasn’t made any miscues yet. Let’s see how they do against the Steelers.

20. Ravens (+2)

Haven’t had tough competition. When you see Bills/Browns/Jaguars as the first three matchups, you expect this team to go 3-0. Let’s see if they make the triple play.

21. Falcons (+5)

They played to the wire against Tampa Bay and outscored Oakland. Can they show more of that offensive flare in New Orleans?

22. Colts (-5)

They looked outmatched, simple as that. The offensive line needs to be the focus of the Colts’ front office for the foreseeable future.

23. Buccaneers (-4)

Throttled against the Cardinals, can they bounce back against the Rams?

24. 49ers (-3)

They lost to the Panthers. It’s because they gave up 46 points that they dropped three spots.

25. Cowboys (+0)

They’re doing what I thought they’d be doing: winning average contests. Competition doesn’t get any harder next week against Chicago.

26. Rams (+5)

The Los Angeles Rams get a win in their new home. What’s more, it was against division rival Seattle. Offense is still a huge problem. Todd Gurley is one man and he’s only in his second year.

27. Redskins (-4)

Losing to Dallas at home was not what Washington was looking for.

28. Bills (-1)

Rob Ryan’s defense ain’t looking good and the offense hit a brick wall with the Jets defense. If it weren’t for some long ball mistakes by New York, it would have never been competitive.

29. Titans (+1)

Not getting too hyped about this team just yet but they look a lot better than they did last year.

30. Saints (-2)

That defense held the Giants to 16. This time the offense didn’t show up.

31. Bears (-1)

Destroyed in prime time. Cutler out for extended period of time. Looking to be a fun year in Chicago.

32. Browns (+0)

Lost another quarterback. Onto QB number three.

Biggest Climb: Vikings (+9)

Biggest Drop: Jaguars (-7)

Tim Sports Report for 2016 NFL Week 2

Top 5

1. Stefon Diggs 9 receptions for 182 yards, TD vs. GB

2. RB Matt Forte 30 carries for 100 yards, 3 TDs vs. BUF

3. WR Jarvis Landry 10 receptions for 135 yards vs. NE

4. LB Von Miller 7 tackles, 5 solo, 3 sacks, forced fumble vs. IND

5. LeGarrette Blount 29 carries for 123 yards, TD vs. MIA

Worst of the Worst

5. Norman switched to cover Dez in the 4th quarter. Just the 4th.

4. Seahawks manage three points versus Rams.

3. Jameis Winston 27/52 for 243, TD, 4 INTs, fumble, 39.2 passer rating vs. ARI

2. Jaguars obliterated 38-14 against San Diego.

1. Browns surrender 20-0 lead versus Ravens, lose 25-20 and lose Josh McCown, forcing Cody Kessler into the starting role.

Steelers Recap

Pittsburgh didn’t pay their best football on Sunday. Ben wasn’t at his best, Antonio Brown didn’t have a highlight reel day and the defense got just one sack. None of it mattered. Pittsburgh got it done. When their offense wasn’t in rhythm, they still put up 24. That’s scary. Against a rookie quarterback in Philly, I’m taking Pittsburgh. Confidently.

Game of the Week: Broncos at Bengals

Cincinnati can contend in the AFC and Denver remains the best team in the league. Can the Bengals upset the Broncos? I definitely think they’re capable. Jeremy Hill needs to get his engine going and the defense has to exploit Siemian at quarterback. I’m just not sure if any of that is going to happen so I’m taking Denver.

2016-2017 NFL Power Rankings: Week 1

1. Broncos

A 21-20 win showed us Denver hasn’t changed. The defense is still full of pressure cookers and once again, the Panthers couldn’t protect Cam in the Super Bowl rematch. C.J. Anderson warranted a top-five slot in my sports report and Trevor Siemian didn’t do half bad considering he was facing the second-best defense in the league.

2. Panthers

The Panthers still haven’t found an answer to the labyrinth that is the Broncos defense, but otherwise look to be a top contender for the Super Bowl.

3. Patriots

No Brady. No Gronk. On the road in Arizona. None of it mattered. New England remains the king of the AFC.

4. Steelers

Not far behind them is Pittsburgh, who put up an offensive clinic on the Redskins. Granted, it’s Washington but the Steelers manhandled the entire game.

5. Packers

Green Bay got it done against the Jaguars, who look like a real football team this year.

6. Bengals

A.J. Green desolated Revis Island and the Bengals defense held its own against the Jets. Cincinnati surrendered seven sacks, however, and were forced to quit on the run game halfway through, something that they can’t lean on in the future.

7. Jets

If it wasn’t for Revis not showing up to play and Fitzpatrick being Fitzpatrick and throwing a fourth quarter interception, the Jets could have won. The front seven looked especially lethal and Forte didn’t appear to lose a step in his first game in New York.

8. Cardinals

They looked bad. They struggled at home against a Patriot squad without Brady and Gronk. There’s no reason they should have lost. I have little faith in a Palmer-led offense when it comes to the postseason. Performances in big games like the one on Sunday night give me all the reason to doubt.

9. Jaguars

Most likely too high of a rating for Jacksonville, but they impressed me in their game against Green Bay. They didn’t just look like a football team. They looked like a good one. I’m interested to see how they fare against a more balanced team. Green Bay doesn’t have an exceptional defense.

10. Chiefs

It’s hard to rank after just one week of play but it’s hard to leave a team off the top-ten that came from 17 points down to win in overtime. Shows some determination, especially when they did it all without their best player, Jamaal Charles.

11. Raiders

The Raiders defense does not match with the hype. That said, the offense kept them in the game. Now we just have to see if the defense can do the same down the stretch.

12. Texans

Texans looked comfortable with Lamar Miller in the backfield and Brock Osweiler at quarterback. I just wonder how long that’s going to last.

13. Giants

Giants should have won the NFC East last year and had it not been for three losses because of bad time management, it’s likely they would’ve. I expect them to win it this year. One down and 15 to go.

14. Seahawks

The offensive line is weak. Russ can’t run forever, can he? There’s no Lynch to rely on behind him. There’s a lot of pressure on Russ this year, perhaps too much.

15. Dolphins

Gave Seattle a run for their money. Will the defense start performing the way it should have last year?

16. Lions

Stafford didn’t seem to lose a step against Indianapolis. Granted, not a tough defense to deal with.

17. Colts

Andrew Luck looked like himself but as with Stafford, not much competition.

18. Vikings

Without Bridgewater, the offense will struggle, but Minnesota was a top-ten defense last year and fifth in points against per game. I see no reason why they can’t reach similar numbers this year.

19. Buccaneers

A scoring fiasco it was yet again with the Bucs but will the ship remain steady or collapse midway through its voyage?

20. Chargers

It was so like San Diego to fall apart with a huge lead. I wasn’t even surprised. It just felt like something San Diego would do.

21. 49ers

San Francisco is trying to identify themselves again and time will tell if Chip Kelly is the head of that new dogma.

22. Ravens

Baltimore struggled last year and with Buffalo and Cleveland in weeks one and two, it’s gonna be hard to tell early on if they’re back to their old selves.

23. Eagles

I’m not high on Philly, not with that defense and a rookie quarterback. Against Cleveland, I didn’t learn much, aside from Cleveland is still Cleveland.

24. Redskins

Washington paid Kirk Cousins $20 million for a franchise tag season. Through game one, two interceptions and zero touchdowns. Not the type of production that you’re looking for. I thought tagging Cousins was a bad idea. It’s looking that way thus far. And let’s not talk about how bad the Washington defense looked against Pittsburgh and that Jay Gruden thought the best spot for highly-touted Josh Norman was not opposite Antonio Brown but on the whole other side of the field.

25. Cowboys

Dallas has a rookie QB and RB. I’m not expecting much.

26. Falcons

Matt Ryan? Check. Julio Jones? Check. Defense? Still looking.

27. Bills

That offense isn’t looking good and with Rob Ryan coaching the defense, it’s looking like a down year for Buffalo.

28. Saints

I don’t care how great Drew Brees is. The run game isn’t helping and the defense is aimless.

29. Bears

Bears are a team that’s hard to read. Sometimes I think they have potential and other times I don’t. I’m still surprised they let Forte leave but I’m interested to see how Chicago plays without him.

30. Titans

DeMarco and Derrick Henry in the backfield and Marcus Mariota behind center. Wide receiver is still a question and the defense isn’t exactly full of starlets but there might be a bright future for this team. In like five years.

31. Rams

This team looked bad. Real bad. Bad like a malnourished college team bad. Todd Gurley and nobody on offense and the defense was a no-show. Against San Francisco. No matter how you phrase it, it sounds awful.

32. Browns

Cleveland. RG3 on injured reserve already. Do I need to say more?

Tim Sports Report for 2016 NFL Week 1

Top 5

1. WR A.J. Green 12 receptions for 180 yards, TD vs. NYJ

2. RB DeAngelo Williams 26 carries for 143 yards, 2 TDs, 6 receptions for 28 yards vs. WAS

Becomes oldest RB (33) with 100 rushing yards and 2 rushing TDs in a game since Jerome Bettis in 2005.

3. RB Spencer Ware 11 carries for 70 yards, TD, 7 receptions for 129 yards vs. SD

4. RB C.J. Anderson 20 carries for 92 yards, TD, 4 receptions for 47 yards, TD vs. CAR

5. QB Drew Brees 28/42 for 423 yards, 4 TDs, Fmb, 131.3 passer rating vs. OAK

Worst of the Worst

5. Terrance Williams blows it, choosing to stay in the field of play rather than get out-of-bounds and stop the clock, essentially losing Dallas the game singlehandedly.

4. Chargers blow 24-3 lead to Chiefs.

3. Redskins put Josh Norman on the opposite side of Antonio Brown, let Brown rip them for 8 receptions for 126 yards, 2 TDs. There’s no logical explanation for this.

2. Cam headhunting. I didn’t get to watch all of the NFL opener but I saw all the hits by Friday. Once again, the NFL demonstrates a lack of empathy.

1. Cardinals fail to beat Patriots without Brady AND Gronk AND at home

Steelers Recap

The Steelers looked sluggish early but Ben began to connect with his younger stars and the defense showed up, surrendering only three third down conversions in the contest. Meanwhile, DeAngelo Williams had one of the best performances of the week, once again defying time and making the argument that Pittsburgh doesn’t need LeVeon Bell’s irresponsibility, knee injuries and salary cap hit. The offensive line again made the debate that it deserves top-ten praise and Antonio Brown once again proved he can’t be ignored. At the end of the game, it was more of the same.

The Bengals come to Heinz Field on Sunday. After surrendering seven sacks on Sunday against the Jets and failing to get the run game going, Dalton was forced to air it out to Green, who proved to be Cincinnati’s savior and the week’s greatest performer, buying real estate on Revis Island. It’s likely Green will have another big day against Pittsburgh but if the Steelers are able to cancel everything else the Bengals have going on offense, it’s likely the Steelers offense will be able to outscore them. I’ll take Pittsburgh at home.

Game of the Week: Bengals @ Steelers

All of this to say, it’s my game of the week. I had the Panthers-Broncos game pegged for week one and I doubt this AFC North battle will disappoint.

Penn State: Please Stop

This feature could’ve been about college athletics as a whole.

It could’ve been about sports as a whole and the lack of ethics in some of its programs and institutions.

It could’ve been about Baylor’s indifference towards sexual assault.

Today’s feature is about Penn State.

Penn State has one of the most storied football programs in the country: national championships, high-profile athletes and the winningest coach in college football history by a large margin. It’s not hard to find a reason why someone might want to be a fan of Penn State.

Penn State football has one of the largest fanbases in the country. I know plenty of people who attend or regularly visit Penn State. It is as much an institution as it is a regional calling card. To be associated with Penn State is to be mentioned with traditional excellence. Beaver Stadium holds an archaic nuance of accomplishment, a sizable portion of achievement and a gothic sense of old-time, fundamental values.

These ideals and supposed heavenly glow emanating from Penn State have been overshadowed by something of a much more significant magnitude.

For all the good that Penn State has done, all the good in the world doesn’t lessen the blow of the phrase “sexual assault,” or, more specifically, “the sexual assault of children.” The last word has an extra cut to it.

This is not the sting of a flu shot. This is the third-degree burn shocking realization that one of your closest friends had a demon in the closet he never talked about and said demon ruined countless lives over the lifetime of your friendship. He stole things from them that can never be regained: dignity, self-worth, innocence, pride.

Years later, administrators remain in the comfort of their own homes. It is almost as if nothing ever happened. Sure, they had significant knowledge that child rape was occurring on their campus. Sure, they are “awaiting trial,” but free of everything, they remain: free of culpability, free of acknowledgement and free of repercussions.

There were the new documents released to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Philadelphia Inquirer in mid-July, with one victim saying he told Paterno as early as 1976. Gene Collier of the Gazette had a concrete addition to make to that statement:

“John Doe 150 had nothing to gain from that. As a Sandusky victim, he already has been Penn State vetted and Penn State paid. That testimony was elicited by the insurance company Penn State is trying to pinch for reimbursement, so the insurance company could say, ‘Look, here again you could have come to us about Sandusky and you didn’t.’

As Paterno family lawyers have said, John Doe 150’s story might not withstand anything close to legal scrutiny but there was a distinct echo in Paterno’s alleged reaction, wasn’t there?

“I don’t want to hear about that kind of stuff; I have a football season to worry about.”

It sounds a lot like something he said the week before he was fired.

In Joe Posnanski’s excellent biography, the author recounts this exchange between the coach’s lawyer son, Scott, and his father:

“Dad,” he asked his father again, “did you know anything about Sandusky?”

“Other than the thing Mike [McQueary] told me, no,” Joe answered.

“Nothing? No rumors? The coaches never talked about it?”

“No. I don’t listen to rumors. Nothing.”

“Dad, this is really important. If there is anything you heard …”

“I didn’t hear anything, why are you badgering me? What do I know about Jerry Sandusky? I’ve got Nebraska to think about. I can’t worry about this.”

A familiar tune it was. How long does it take before a familiar tune becomes a pattern?

A friend of mine and I had a conversation months ago about these newer allegations. When I suggested Joe Pa knew something, my friend told me to “fuck off” and that I knew nothing about college football, that he had been a fan of Penn State since he was a kid, etc. In that statement alone, my friend had unknowingly made my point. Knowledge of college football has no place in this conversation. My friend sounded a lot like Joe Pa did in that statement, pushing allegations to the side that are more and more turning into solidified fact. If you spin concrete mix enough, it will turn to cement.

My friend acted like knowledge of the Penn State football team was what mattered, not the at least 30 victims that were treated like living, breathing adult stores. There were children molested and abused on that campus but somehow, football was what was important.

He is not the only Penn State fan who has this mindset. As a resident of Pittsburgh, I’ve run into quite a few of them, each time shook by what I’m hearing. It brews fear, knowing what some people are willing to overlook in the name of loyalty. I think most of us already knew that fear but it is more damning when you experience it in person.

Penn State alum has uttered the phrase “enough is enough, it is time to put the statue back up.” You would think they would understand the tone of the phrase “enough is enough,” given the sexual exploits that were allowed at Penn State but I suppose ignorance is truly bliss.

Ron Cook of the Gazette in an article from September 2nd said, “But I refuse to believe the allegations against Paterno that came out earlier this year…Sorry, I don’t believe it. That isn’t the Paterno I knew. That Paterno wasn’t a monster. That Paterno was a good, decent man, although he certainly had flaws.”

It sounds like a man in denial, doesn’t it? It sounds like a man who’s willing to close his eyes and ears so that he can continue to live in his happy little world.

If you’re a Penn State fan, you’re granted this, the luxury of ignorance. You can ignore that Penn State paid off the victims of all this without truly vetting their claims (The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote a piece on it in their July 13th issue.) You can ignore that one person is in prison for all this and only one has been tried. You can ignore the phrase “enough is enough.” You can ignore the living and complain about a dead man not being able to defend himself. You can ignore everything that doesn’t happen on the turf at Beaver Stadium.

The rest of us cannot. The rest of us cannot ignore the money flows, the continued defense of Spanier, Schultz and Curley, the phrase “enough is enough” or ignore the living. The rest of us need to defend the living, the victims who five years later have only seen one of many parties penalized for what was done to them.

Penn State won’t stop. They don’t have to move on, or so the fans say. They’ll be honoring Joe Paterno at their first home game next week. They can’t help but continue to remind everyone of what happened. Whether they want it or not, Joe Paterno will always be tarnished and rightfully so. Continue to honor him and continue to drag all of the baggage that comes with it but don’t expect anyone outside of the Penn State fanbase to be okay with it. Someone has to constantly remind you of what happened.

Regardless of how you feel, know that the nickname Happy Valley will never have the same connotation again.