23. Joe Paterno

Joe Paterno may have been a well respected public figure and a leader to many people but this does not compensate for his failure.  He did not report one of his coaches raping young boys in the change room and that is not something that can be overlooked.  His life may have been filled with much fame and success but when it really matter, he failed not only as a leader but as a respectable person.  His reputation will carry a permanent stain to the grave as will his conscience.