The New York Times reports that Joe Paterno's time at the helm of Penn State is coming to a close. Leading the Nitany Lions to a great season, he seemed positioned to go out on his own terms and with a final hurrah as possible Big Ten champs. That now appears not to be, as the sex scandal involving former assistant Jerry Sandusky has overwhelmed a great season and a stellar career of the Division 1 all-time wins leader.
The scandal has already swept out a University VP and the Athletic Director and while the Pennsylvania Attorney General has exonerated Coach Paterno from a legal perspective, that has not quieted the uproar and may entangle the University President as well.
UPDATE: (Coach Paterno statement regarding retirement)
“I am absolutely devastated by the developments in this case. I grieve for the children and their families, and I pray for their comfort and relief.
“I have come to work every day for the last 61 years with one clear goal in mind: To serve the best interests of this university and the young men who have been entrusted to my care. I have the same goal today.
“That’s why I have decided to announce my retirement effective at the end of this season. At this moment the Board of Trustees should not spend a single minute discussing my status. They have far more important matters to address. I want to make this as easy for them as I possibly can.
“This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.
“My goals now are to keep my commitments to my players and staff and finish the season with dignity and determination. And then I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this University.”
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