Joe Paterno will retire at the end of the season; releases statement

A. Isaac Senior Editor

Joe Paterno 135x95 Joe Paterno will retire at the end of the season; releases statement

Joe Paterno has announced that he will retire as head coach of Penn State University after 61 seasons. The decision comes amid questions whether Paterno himself had knowledge of an alleged child rape in 2002.

Here is his statement in via Michele Steele:

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.

With a retirement as opposed to a resignation, Paterno leaves with some dignity. The same dignity that wasn’t afforded to dozens of kids over the years.

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