Franco Harris had a storied career as a running-back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Hall of Famer won four Super Bowls and retired second to only Jim Brown for most career rushing yards in the history of the NFL. Nonetheless, Harris has also had his critics, Brown among them. Many took issue with Harris’ frequent act of voluntarily running out of bounds. The feeling was that a running-back was the main offensive warrior of a team and the thought that there was unwillingness to turn up field and accept the contact to punish the defense was selfish and not in the spirit of the game.
Franco Harris Running Out of Bounds
Harris’ act is a personal decision that can be debated, as is his decision to come out vociferously to condemn the firing of Joe Paterno from Penn State. With seemingly VERY credible allegations swirling about multiple boys raped at the hands of Paterno’s right hand man, Jerry Sandusky, Franco Harris chooses to “run out of bounds” again.
Not his finest moment. Nothing immaculate about this deception. Harris is a former Honorary Board Member of the charity that Sandusky alledgedly used to feed his lust for young boys. Instead of coming out to condemn the acts and try to aid in the healing, he chooses to stand up for an 84 year old coach well past his prime who rightfully should have been dismissed years ago. Fourteen years ago to be exact.
The fact is that Paterno’s inaction is morally indefensible and he was fired because of it. He remained working with a man that he arguably knew was a child rapist for years. Harris’ decision to voluntarily run out of bounds and condemn the firing is inexplicable and will surely now stain his legacy in many eyes, as well.
{ 0 comments }
