CBS Chicgo sports columnist and sports radio host Dan Bernstein took  hatred  to an extreme when stated in an opinion piece  that he hoped cancer stricken former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno would die soon.

This commentary came within the context of his criticism of a public letter put together by over 340 former Penn State football players showing support for Paterno in the wake of brutal criticism for his actions or lack of them in the Jerry Sandusky scandal.  With regards to  specifics of his criticism, I actually agree with Bernstein on several points.  Making the letter public  was ill conceived, inappropriate and was not for the benefit of Paterno but for the ego of  players who signed.  A self centered, arrogant move.

Bernstein should have left it at that.  In addition to criticizing the letter, he  went on to state specifically in his column that he hoped Paterno, who is battling lung cancer  would die soon.   He did not stop there.  He then  had a “Celebration Of Paterno’s Cancer” segment on the Boers And Bernstein radio show.  In the same breath, he also plugged  the One Step At A Time Camp organization which  provides programs for children with cancer.  Dan Bernstein is on the Board Of Directors.  Seem disturbingly ironic?

What’s the bottom line in all this?   Dan Bernstein used a public forum to spew hatred and mock cancer victims. He owes some public forum apologies.  He does NOT owe apologies to  Joe Paterno or offended Penn Staters.   He owes public apologies to the millions of  sick and dying people he mocked.  Those who are battling cancer. Those who are on the front lines looking for a cure.  Those who spend their lives  trying to make life easier for those afflicted.

You may not like or even despise Joe Paterno.  You may believe, in a detached context that what Bernstein said was justified. This is not about Joe Paterno or Penn State.   Listen to Bernsteins actual words and the hatred he worked so hard to take viral. Then consider the bigger picture of  the 11,958,000 million currently afflicted with cancer. Maybe it’s someone you know or love.  Maybe it’s your child like the children helped by the One Step At A Time or similar organization. See how you feel then.  Maybe you will agree that a public apology is in order.  Here are the links to his show.  I urge you to listen.

Boers And Bernstein Hour 3 Minutes  6-8

Boers And Bernstein Hour 3  Minutes 29-31

* A special thanks to certain fellow Penn Staters who provided me the digital clips of the show.