Franco Harris steps down as Pittsburgh Promise chairman after his support of Paterno

[RamboLiberal]

Franco Harris stepped aside temporarily as chairman of the Pittsburgh Promise board Thursday while expressing sadness that defending his former coach and mentor at Penn State University, Joe Paterno, was seen by Mayor Luke Ravenstahl as disregard for child sex abuse victims.

"Nothing could be further from the truth," Mr. Harris said, defending recent comments he made in the Penn State sex abuse scandal. "My heart aches for those young people and their families who were violated in the deplorable events at Penn State.

"Those who know me will be aware that during my many years of public service to the Pittsburgh regional community I have held steadfastly to the conviction that the protection and well-being of our children are paramount," he said.

Saleem Ghubril, executive director of the Pittsburgh Promise, which provides college scholarships to graduates of Pittsburgh Public Schools, said Mr. Harris will remain on the board as a full voting member. The Promise board, meeting for several hours Thursday night, will meet again in the next few days to further discuss the matter.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11322/1190817-455-0.stm#ixzz1e4JYrC1u

I think it is a good move to let him stay on board. Sad he supported Paterno. Franco though seems to be a good man and a staunch Dem.

[brewens]

1. I have friends that played for a local legend type coach. He's

a real prick but revered by a lot of people. You either hate him or love him. Some of his players will fight you over it. A guy like franco probably can't ever see anything wrong in Paterno and should have just stayed out of it.

[trumad]

2. Franco is an idiot for supporting Paterno.