Paterno Family's Divided Political Loyalties

Egads! It's the 1960's all over again.

Follow the script: Dad's a crusty old Republican. Son's enamored with the candidate representing "hope", "change" and an end to a protracted war. They share the same blue collar Pennsylvania work address and the love that comes with a father-son relationship.

Such is life with the Paterno's, the first family of Pennsylvania college football.

Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, a noted Republican, says he thought long and hard before deciding against greeting Bill Clinton when the former president visited campus on behalf of his wife's presidential campaign. [snip]

Paterno's son and quarterbacks coach, Jay Paterno, supports Clinton's rival, Sen. Barack Obama, who is scheduled to make a campaign stop at Penn State on Sunday. The younger Paterno said at the opening of Obama's campaign office in State College that his choice was rooted in what's best for his five children.

"The only thing I have for Jay is admiration for him because he's willing to do what he thinks is right," Paterno said. "He's sticking his neck out for Obama."

Joe Paterno may eat brains, but he has yet to eat his own flesh and blood. Although maybe for the sake of the Penn State offense maybe he should.