Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State fans gave Joe Paterno a standing ovation during special tribute

Published Nov. 15, 2016 3:37 p.m. ET

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Chris Bahr

Penn State honored former head coach Joe Paterno on Saturday, commemorating the 50th anniversary of his first game as the Nittany Lions’ head coach.

The decision to do so was controversial, in the wake of the sexual abuse scandal involving former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky – a scandal that rocked college athletics and ultimately led to Paterno’s firing shortly before his death in 2012.

Several videos were shown at Beaver Stadium during Saturday’s game against Temple, drawing mixed reviews. The Nittany Lions responded with a standing ovation:

However, some of the Owls fans in attendance turned their backs in protest:

It remains unclear exactly how much Paterno knew about the sexual assaults and whether he tried to protect Sandusky, who was found guilty of 45 charges and is serving at least a 30-year prison sentence. Paterno never was charged with a crime.

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