Joe Paterno’s Name Dropped From Nike Child Care Center

The Joe Paterno Child Development Center in Oregon will simply be known as The Child Development Center for the time being. Nike has decided to drop Joe Paterno’s name from the building in light of the Freeh Report, an investigation into the Penn State scandal that showed Paterno as a central figure in the cover-up.

Forbes reports that the Joe Paterno Child Development Center sits on Nike’s Oregon Campus. The daycare center sees close to 200 children under the age of five every day.

Nike president Mark Parker’s statement:

“I have been deeply saddened by the news coming out of this investigation at Penn State. It is a terrible tragedy that children were unprotected from such abhorrent crimes. With the findings released today, I have decided to change the name of our child care center at our World Headquarters. My thoughts are with the victims and the Penn State community.”

Nike founder Phil Knight added:

“Other than my parents, my college coach, Bill Bowerman, was the biggest influence in my life. Bill Bowerman and Joe Paterno shared some great qualities. Throughout Joe Paterno’s career, he strived to put young athletes in a position to succeed and win in sport but most importantly in life. Joe influenced thousands of young men to become better leaders, fathers and husbands…. According to the investigation, it appears Joe made missteps that led to heartbreaking consequences. I missed that Joe missed it, and I am extremely saddened on this day. My love for Joe and his family remains.”

The Freeh Report claims that Joe Paterno, along with several other Penn State officials, consciously decided to cover up Jerry Sandusky’s actions.

Do you think Nike is making the right decision by removing Joe Paterno’s name from the child center? Do you think Penn State will try to erase Paterno from school history?