Nearly 300 Football Letterman Respond to HBO "Paterno"

[deridealldems]

To: Media FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Brian Masella 1975 Letterman (919) 372-8014
Christian Marrone 1997 Letterman (571) 421-7061

STATEMENT

As Penn State Lettermen, there was never a question that one day we would see a movie made about Joe Paterno, one that showcased his impact on the game of football, on Penn State University and, on the thousands of men he coached and mentored over his 61-year career. Sadly -- and wrongly -- HBO’s ‘Paterno’ is not that movie. 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. As a result, this uninformed depiction of Joe fails in every manner about the man we knew and loved. Deviously using ‘fiction’ as his shield, Levinson takes shameless liberties about the Sandusky scandal and Joe’s knowledge of it that would certainly be proven libelous if Joe were alive today. As a coach, educator and philanthropist, Joe Paterno was a positive force in our lives, molding us not only to win games, but to win in life. His character, integrity, and moral compass will live on in us long after the ill-gotten ratings of this reckless attempt at entertainment fades away.

Ronald Adams '65, Frank Ahrenhold '72, Tyler Ahrenhold '11, Ray Alberigi '57, Russell Albert '70,
Dave Alexander '61, Jesse Alfreno '10, Kurt Allerman '77, Dick Anderson, Player / Coach, '63,
John Andress '77, Kenny Andrews '73, Mike Archie '96, Mark Arcidiacono '13, Michael Arnold '83,
Drew Astorino '11, Ferris Atty '71, Bruce Bannon '73, Michael Barninger '95, Jack Baronas '75,
Bob Bassett '79, Bob Belus '60, Lou Benfatti '93, Jeff Bergstrom '82, Tom Bill '90, Dan Biondi '83,
Jason Bisson '00, David Bland '74, Jeff H. Bleamer '75, Mike Blosser '02, Mark Bonson '88,
Scott Bouslough '84, , John Bove, Coach,- '79+, Kirk Bowman '84, Dr. Tom Bradley '75, Tim Bronish '86,
John Bronson '04, Booker Brooks, Coach,‘72+, Richard M Brown '73, Brian Brozeski '01, Dave Brzenchek '90,
Chuck Burkhart ’70, Jeff Butya '81, Rick Campbell '82, Bob Campbell 70, Gino Capone '03, Rich Caravella '76,
Don Carlino Staff '85, Joseph Carlozo '74, Glenn Carson '13, Ki-Jana Carter '95, Rashard Casey '01,
Robert Ceh '93, Alex Chiara '64, Peter Cimino '60, Craig Cirbus , Coach '84-'95, Bruce Clark '80,
Dave Clark '87, Anthony Cleary '06, Brennan Coakley '09, Ron Coder '76, F. Len Consalvo '72,
Brett Conway '97, Chuck Correal '78, Tom Couch '85, Troy Cromwell '87, Bill Crummy '70's,
Wayne Cunningham '71, Peter Curkendall '80's, Andrew Dailey '10, Rick D'Amico '82, Scott Davis '04,
Steven Davis '73, Gary W. Debes '74, Steven Delich '03, Alan Delmonaco '69, Fred R. Demler '76,
Ken Deutsch '74, Chris Devlin '75, Joe Diange '78, Tom F. Donchez '74, Troy Drayton '93,
Michael Dunlay '83, Thomas Durant '87, Gary Eberle '67, John Ebersole '70, Emery Etter '12,
Ron Etter '75, Eric Etze '88, Morris Fansler '73, Gerry Farkas '62, Craig Fiedler '89, Scott Fitzkee '79,
Matt Fornadel '97, Derek Fox '00, Tim Freeman '80's, Mike Fuhrman '83, Paul Gabel '73, Ed Gabriel '67,
Fran Ganter '71, Tony Gebicki '65, Doneal Gersh '72, Reggie Givens '94, Gene Gladys '80, Scott Gob '89,
Greg Golanoski '85, Tony Gordon '78, James Graham '60, Gary Gray ’72, Ryan Grube '94, Mike Guman '80,
Nick Haden '84, Eric Hamilton '86, Lance Hamilton '86, Shelly Hammonds '93, Brian Hand '80,
Darien Hardy '08, Franco Harris '72, Bob Harrison ’62, Warren Hartenstine '67, Greg Hay '87, Stu Helgeson '88,
Jim Heller '73, Mike Heller '92, Ron Heller '84, Scott Hettinger '80, Ron Hileman '70's, Joseph Hines '84,
Bob Holuba '71, Tim Horst '69, Ron Hostetler '77, Joshua Hull '10, Leonard Humphries '92, Neil Hutton '77,
John Ibex '67, Jason Ingram '97, Justin Ingram '02, Joe Iorio '03, Michael Irwin '67, Joe Johns '86,
Bryant Johnson '03, Pete Johnson '70, Greg Jones '80, Jim Kanuch '06, Mark Kareha '11,
Keith Karpinski '89, Ken Kelley '82, Rodney Kinlaw '07, Tim Kissell '77, Robert Kline '61,
Douglas Klopacz '10, Gary Klossner '72, Ed Kmit '66, Bob Knechtel '72, Matt Knizner '82, Bruce Kordic ‘72,
Chuck Koval '55, Matt Kranchick '03, Chad Kroell '99, John Kulka '69, Christian Kuntz '13,
Justin Kurpeikis '00, Rich Kuzy '88, Michael Lagrossi '90, Ron LaPointe '79, Philip F. LaPorta '75,
John R. Lewchenko '73, Chad Linnon '98, Linc LincolnLippincott '69, Jim Litterelle '67, Mike Lucian '08,
Larry J. Ludwig '74, Mike Lukac '03, Kenneth Lupold Jr '93, Kevin Lyden '78, Daniel Maddigan '60,
Thomas Mairs '65, Mike Malinoski '93, Massimo Manca '87, Russ Manney '00, Mark J. Markovich '74,
Nick Marmo '04, Christian Marrone '97, Kenneth Martz '80, Carmen Masciantonio '80's, Brian Masella '75,
J. D. Mason '12, Rich Mauti '77, Michael McBath '68, Brian McCann '82, Jay McCormick '80,
OJ McDuffie '92, Tom McGrath '68, Shawn McNamara '83, Dave McNaughton '66, Mike Meade '82,
Dr. Allen Meyer, Staff '69, Rob Mikulski '86, Jeremy Miller '01, Joshua Mitchell '01, Scott Mitchell '74,
Ed Monaghan '89, Anthony Morelli '08, Dan Morgan '86, Robert Mrosko '88, Thomas Mulraney '60,
Grego. Murphy '75, Joe Navin '79, John Nessel '75, Richard Nichols '75, Gregg Norton '92,
Thomas Odell '76, Brian O'Neal '93, Michael A. Orsini M.D. '74, Chet Parlavecchio '82,
Michael Pawlikowski '05, Woody Petchel, Jr. '76, Gary Petercuskie '78, Andrew Pitz '09,
Aoatoa Polamalu '89, Ryan Primanti '01, Ed Pryts '82, John R. Quinn '76, Carlos Quirch '79,
Dave Radakovich '70, Scott Radecic '84, Tom Rafferty '76, Frederic Ragucci '79, Terry Rakowski '82,
Joel Ramich '71, Eric Ravotti '94, Curt Reese '05, J.R. Refice '13, John M. Reihner '75, Bill Rettig '63,
Kip Richeal, Staff '83, James E. Rosecrans '75, Patrick Rosenella '05, Buddy Rowell '55, Dwayne Rush '87,
Michael Russo '88, George Salvaterra, Staff '87-'12, Dr. Theodore Sam '60, George SanFilippo '71,
Matt Schmitt '02, Rich Schonewolf '90, Steve Schreckengaust '66, Bryan Scott '02, James Scott '55,
James Scourtis '91, Bob Scrabis '59, Ted Sebastianelli '69, Robert Seitz, Staff '83, Gary Shaffer '69,
TIm Shaw '06, Tom Sherman '68, Tom L. Shoemaker '73, Brandon Short '99, Eric Shrive '13,
Earl Shumaker '56, Tom Shuman '75, Brian Silverling '86, David Simon '53, John Skorupan '73,
Steve Smear '70, Dave Smith '94, Neal Smith '70, Rob Smith '86, Sam Sobczak '61, Charles Sowers '55,
Pete Speros '83, William Spoor '92, Brian Stairs, Staff ' 95, Andrew Stewart '99, Jonathan Stewart '10,
Geoffrey Stryker '01, Thomas Stuart '61, John P. Susko '73, Tim Sweeney '89, Dr. Raymond Tesner '75,
Brian Tupa '95, Michael Urquhart '81, Tyler Valoczki '02, Kip Vernaglia '80, Marshall Wagner '71,
Dan Wallace '75, Tim Ward '06, Darryl Washington '88, Eric Wayne '91, John Williams '73,
Justin Williams '95, Leo Wisniewski ’82, Steve Wisniewski '89, John Wojtowicz '81, Steve Wolfe '65,
Nicholas Yocum '07, Glenn Zumbach '80.

 

[Colorado Man]

I couldn't bring myself to watch this. Kudos to whoever wrote that statement and to the 300 lettermen who endorsed it.

 

[step.eng69]

As Penn State Lettermen, there was never a question that one day we would see a movie made about Joe Paterno, one that showcased his impact on the game of football, on Penn State University and, on the thousands of men he coached and mentored over his 61-year career. Sadly -- and wrongly -- HBO’s ‘Paterno’ is not that movie. It has been described by producer Barry Levinson as a work of fiction,

Thank you for posting deridealldems

 

[emrtmakesshiteup]

Any significance to the absents of Mike Munchak? Probably some others but that one I noticed (or didn't)!

 

[Bob78]

Any significance to the absents of Mike Munchak? Probably some others but that one I noticed (or didn't)!

Other than a couple of obvious non-supporters (Paul Suhey, Matt Millen, Vic Surma), I would not read anything into the absence of any signature. Ex.: Cefalo is not among the signatures, and yet we know he is a strong JVP supporter.
They probably sent out something via their Lettermen's Club list-serv, and whoever gave their ok within a short turn-around timeline was included.

 

[Pinkhippo PeanutButter]

Why is Matt Knizner listed as '82.

This list smells off.

 

[Diego Badman]

Other than a couple of obvious non-supporters (Paul Suhey, Matt Millen, Vic Surma), I would not read anything into the absence of any signature. Ex.: Cefalo is not among the signatures, and yet we know he is a strong JVP supporter.
They probably sent out something via their Lettermen's Club list-serv, and whoever gave their ok within a short turn-around timeline was included.

I would agree with this, but there are a couple who are not on there and would want to know if they were councilled not to sign: Mike Munchak and Tom Bradley (Steelers), Jack Ham (Penn State Sports). While it would be admirable if each of these guys stood up, I understand that they did not.

 

[Little J]

I would agree with this, but there are a couple who are not on there and would want to know if they were councilled not to sign: Mike Munchak and Tom Bradley (Steelers), Jack Ham (Penn State Sports). While it would be admirable if each of these guys stood up, I understand that they did not.

Tom Bradley '75? Lots of others missing however - Lavar, Dan Conner, Kurt W, Blair Thomas, Poz and so on. Wondering if it means much of anything.

 

[MJG-90]

I’ll ask a letterman I know who I know would sign something like this.

 

[step.eng69]

Geez, give the guys some time. Thank you

 

[psuro]

Geez, give the guys some time. Thank you

No.

 

[cment]

Geez, give the guys some time. Thank you

No.

I hope that is sarcasm.

 

[cavic]

Why is Matt Knizner listed as '82.

This list smells off.

He very well might have graduated in '82 then played the next year as a 5th Year senior

 

[MJG-90]

He very well might have graduated in '82 then played the next year as a 5th Year senior

He played from 84-87 though.

 

[PSUcup1]

He very well might have graduated in '82 then played the next year as a 5th Year senior

He was a senior in 87

 

[cavic]

He was a senior in 87

My bad, Shaffer's back-up, not Blackledge's

Good point on the original question

 

[emrtmakesshiteup]

Other than a couple of obvious non-supporters (Paul Suhey, Matt Millen, Vic Surma), I would not read anything into the absence of any signature. Ex.: Cefalo is not among the signatures, and yet we know he is a strong JVP supporter.
They probably sent out something via their Lettermen's Club list-serv, and whoever gave their ok within a short turn-around timeline was included.

Excellent point!

 

[LurkerLazarus]

Bob78 knows of what he speaks when it comes to these guys. As I recall he is an old frat brother for a lot of them.

 

[psu7113]

Why is Matt Knizner listed as '82.

This list smells off.

Gee, maybe they made an error.

 

[kijanacat]

Didn't see Mike Reid, Ted Kwalick or Denny Onkotz, Joe's first three All Americans.

 

[anon_1eeb2b426hv3y]

Other than a couple of obvious non-supporters (Paul Suhey, Matt Millen, Vic Surma), I would not read anything into the absence of any signature. Ex.: Cefalo is not among the signatures, and yet we know he is a strong JVP supporter.
They probably sent out something via their Lettermen's Club list-serv, and whoever gave their ok within a short turn-around timeline was included.

My guess is many obvious omissions are currently active and/or represent others even when presumably speaking for themselves.

 

[NittanyOpp]

Tamba Hali and Puz not on list, both have been vocal in support. The list could grow 5 times if they needed it to.

I know A-Rob personally, as well as Rob Bolden and CJ Olanyian, all have said its all BS and Joe would never cover up for child rape.

I can also tell you that coaches in the industry both pro and NFL don't believe any of it for one second, including O'Brien. They know he got railroaded and all hate the media anyways but more so for it. Harbaugh ( i know you aren't supposed to like him) refers to the media as "rats" and is fully in support of JVP. They just won't come out publicly and say it as its a distraction and causes blowback on them because its a sensitive subject to all.

 

[Roar More]

I don't see any current NFL players.

 

[Art]

Lists like this are never going to be entirely comprehensive for a variety of reasons. Think we should leave it at that.

 

[PeetzPoolBoy]

Why is Matt Knizner listed as '82.

This list smells off.

And you’re a “stinkin troll”.

For which PA “diminishing newspaper” are you the official “PSU Football writer”?

 

[LoyalandTrueLion]

Tom Bradley '75? Lots of others missing however - Lavar, Dan Conner, Kurt W, Blair Thomas, Poz and so on. Wondering if it means much of anything.

Many of those guys have been on other list in the past. Including Lavar including Dan and including Blair and Poz. Who is on the list actually is irrelevant the fact that that many people signed in a short time frame is telling.

 

[BobPSU92]

Lists like this are never going to be entirely comprehensive for a variety of reasons. Think we should leave it at that.

Exactly.

 

[pkg5002]

I think you guys are deviating away from the main point of the entire thing. Focus on the subject matter.. not on who is and isn' on the list!

 

[BobPSU92]

I think you guys are deviating away from the main point of the entire thing. Focus on the subject matter.. not on who is and isn' on the list!

Exactly.

 

[psuro]

I hope that is sarcasm.

Yes.

 

[heckmans]

He was a senior in 87

typo?

 

[LurkerLazarus]

It is sickening that no university person has commented on the movie, period. Not to agree, or to disagree. Very clearly this is the policy that they all agreed upon, in advance.

They just continue to keep their heads in the sand. At some point, somehow or some way, they are going to have to decide if Joe ever actually existed at Penn State, or not. The wounds will never ever heal if they do not.

 

[Bob78]

Bob78 knows of what he speaks when it comes to these guys. As I recall he is an old frat brother for a lot of them.

You're right... I AM old.

 

[harbest]

I think you guys are deviating away from the main point of the entire thing. Focus on the subject matter.. not on who is and isn' on the list!

Some people here would shoot first and put together the details later. Pull out the torches & pitchforks because they don't see a name on a paper. Get a life.

 

[LurkerLazarus]

You're right... I AM old.

Didn't you say you were a Fiji guy back then? Or am I confused?

 

[Bob78]

It is sickening that no university person has commented on the movie, period. Not to agree, or to disagree. Very clearly this is the policy that they all agreed upon, in advance.

They just continue to keep their heads in the sand. At some point, somehow or some way, they are going to have to decide if Joe ever actually existed at Penn State, or not. The wounds will never ever heal if they do not.

I hear quite often that there is a real pettiness within the Admin wrt JVP. People interpret that as possibly their jobs being in danger if they demonstrate outward support of him. Whether that is real or perceived, some people in athletics lost jobs in the immediate aftermath of the JS deal just for being known as pro-JVP, and people don't forget that.

 

[LurkerLazarus]

The university is never going to get fund-raising back on track until they figure out a way to address the whole Joe issue, one way or another.

 

[psuro]

I hear quite often that there is a real pettiness within the Admin wrt JVP. People interpret that as possibly their jobs being in danger if they demonstrate outward support of him. Whether that is real or perceived, some people in athletics lost jobs in the immediate aftermath of the JS deal just for being known as pro-JVP, and people don't forget that.

Agree.

 

[Bob78]

Didn't you say you were a Fiji guy back then? Or am I confused?

Yes. '75-'78. Based on the guys I know, I believe the overwhelming majority of guys who played or managed or coached under Joe completely support him.
As I said in another post, I believe the 300 signatures would grow to 1200 given enough time to sign the letter, which was obviously written and turned around for release within about a 24 hour time frame.

 

[WPB_lion]

nm