The Death Penalty would have been an easier storm to weather.
This not only kills the program for 4 years, but it is going to take another 4-5 years AFTER the sanctions are complete to even field a semi-competitive team.
I like this penalty, I think it sends a clear message to other campuses that the NCAA is becoming more serious about breaches of conduct. (Beware Miami) This is probably going to be more effective than issuing the Death Penalty.
As for the proud legacy of Joe Paterno? There is no longer a legacy to be proud of . . .