Joe Paterno's name will not be affixed to the Big Ten football championship trophy, the conference said Monday.
The former Penn State coach, a fixture with the Nittany Lions and for years a college football treasure, was fired amid the furor over an alleged sex-abuse case involving a former Penn State assistant coach.
The lesson for the Big Ten and other institutions is that you never, ever place such an honor on an individual who is still active.
No matter the reputation, no matter how strong the resume, a person active in their profession is one mis-step from a fall from grace, whether by their own hand or others.
It is sad, yes, but it happens.
Just ask Pete Rose.