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Penn State Football: Former players criticize HBO’s ‘Paterno’ in letter

By Barry Leonard Jr.

(FILE PHOTO) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Joe Paterno (L) and Al Pacino. Actor Al Pacino will reportedly play football couch Joe Paterno in a film biopic produced by Rick Nicita. ***LEFT IMAGE*** STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 06: Head coach Joe Paterno of the Penn State Nittany Lions during play against the Oregon State Beavers at Beaver Stadium on September 6, 2008 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** NEW YORK - APRIL 14: Actor Al Pacino attends the HBO Film's 'You Don't Know Jack' premiere at Ziegfeld Theatre on April 14, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
(FILE PHOTO) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Joe Paterno (L) and Al Pacino. Actor Al Pacino will reportedly play football couch Joe Paterno in a film biopic produced by Rick Nicita. ***LEFT IMAGE*** STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 06: Head coach Joe Paterno of the Penn State Nittany Lions during play against the Oregon State Beavers at Beaver Stadium on September 6, 2008 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** NEW YORK - APRIL 14: Actor Al Pacino attends the HBO Film's 'You Don't Know Jack' premiere at Ziegfeld Theatre on April 14, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images) /
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Several hundred former Penn State players disagreed with HBO’s portrayal of legendary coach Joe Paterno.  

Wether is was positive or negative anticipation, there was certainly some anticipation of HBO’s so-called biopic on former Penn State head coach Joe Paterno. The movie, “Paterno,” aired Saturday night, and it didn’t take long for viewers to chime in. Monday, nearly 300 Penn State lettermen signed a statement that was very critical of HBO and the film.

Some very famous former players, including Ki-Jana Carter, Franco Harris, highlighted the list. In their letter, the players voiced their concern about the portrayal of Paterno in the film and the fact that, in their eyes, the movie got it wrong.

The players said they expected a movie to be made about Paterno at some point showcasing his impact both on football and Penn State. However, according to the letter, HBO’s version missed the mark. “Sadly – and wrongly – HBO’s Paterno is not that movie”

Anyone familiar with Penn State that watched the film surely noted some of the many inaccuracies that were portrayed in the film. From the words and the tune of the alma mater, to the inaccurate placing of the statue, to the replication of Beaver Stadium, it was clear that little or no research was done for the project.

Producer Barry Levinson declared the movie to be a work of fiction, something the former players definitely agreed with.

"“It has been described by producer Barry Levinson as a work of fiction, which is likely the only truth in the entire project. Incredibly, in making the movie, Levinson and his team never consulted a single person who was close to, worked with, or was coached by Joe Paterno. Not even family members or us, who undoubtedly knew him best of all.”"

In the letter, the movie is referred to as an “uninformed depiction.” According to the players, the “character, integrity, and moral compass” of Paterno will live on forever.

A copy of the entire letter and a list of all who signed it can be found on FOX 43.

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