While this story occurred in 1969, we here at Dubsism happen to enjoy the 2008 telling of the tale; largely because that’s the best Youtube video we can find. Anyway, the background is as follows…in 1969, Penn State is on its ascendance to national prominance; the Nittany Lions are one of three undefeated teams in the nation and ranked #3 in the country, yet President Richard Nixon makes a remark that the end-of-season rivalry tilt between #1 Texas and #2 Arkansas is the “national championship game.”

Paterno never forgot this slight, and a few weeks after Nixon’s remark, the President attempted to “make nice” by giving Penn State an award for having the longest unbeaten streak in the country. However, Paterno refused the award in a less than respectful manner.