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tional sports columnists weighed in, arguing that it was inappropriate to honor the longtime coach. During the salute in the stadium, several Temple fans turned their backs in protest. Focused on his team's on-field con- cerns, coach James Franklin kept his comments brief when he was asked about Paterno during a news confer- ence a few days before the Temple game. "All of the wonderful things that have happened here academi- cally, all of the wonderful things that have happened here athletically, and in the community as well, those things have been significant," he said. "But my focus and our focus is on Temple and the game this week. And all of those other decisions… they're for the administration. Our focus is on Temple." Speaking to ESPN, Jay Paterno said the purpose of the commemoration was to recognize "an extraordinary group of people who came to Penn State from all over this country, guys who were born on a number of conti- nents. They've gone on to do great things with their lives. That's what this is all about." Looking to the future, Paterno said he hopes to see a shift in the way that people outside the Penn State com- munity perceive the university. "When you go around this country and say, 'I went to Penn State,' six years ago there was a different reac- tion than what you get now," he said. "And the truth of the matter is, that should not have changed. "That's going to come out, and I want that back for Penn State. I want this football program to continue to go on the right trajectory and educate young people, and [for players to] be able to walk into a place and say, 'I played football for Penn State' and people will have that same reverence that they had six years ago. Because that's the truth about this place. And I think that's the most important thing: what's right for this university and what's right for this program, and in that order." ■ F O O T B A L L Williams relishes return to sideline as broadcaster Derrick Williams knew he would have a tough time. Walking away from his play- ing career three years ago, the former Nittany Lion standout began working for a firm that sells medical devices. But he still had the itch to be involved in football in some capacity. "It's hard to be away from the game when you've been in it for 20-plus years," he said. So he took ad- vantage of the opportunities that came his way. A native of Washington, D.C., he re- turned to the Baltimore-Washington metro area and began coaching at the high school level. In addition, he jumped at the chance to do broadcast work, joining postgame shows when he could or work- ing the high school game of the week. A few weeks ago, his passion for foot- ball led him back to his college alma mater. Williams received a phone call from Penn State, during which he was offered a chance to join the university's football broadcast team. BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE Williams is providing in- sight from the field during broadcasts. Photo by Steve Manuel |

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