The first trailer of HBO’s television drama Paterno offers brief glimpses of a weather-beaten and contemplative Al Pacino as Penn State University football coach Joe Paterno.
Considered the most successful college-level American football coach in history, Paterno was dismissed in 2011 due to the Penn State child sex abuse scandal. The scandal began with Paterno’s assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, who was accused and eventually convicted of sexually abusing over 50 children over at least 15 years. Paterno was accused of shielding Sandusky.
Directed by Barry Levinson, Paterno follows the life of the coach, whose legacy was challenged by the Sandusky scandal. It also features Riley Keough, Kathy Baker, Greg Grunberg and Annie Parisse in pivotal roles. The drama will be released later this year.
