84-year-old Penn State football coach Joe Paterno has decided to retire at end of the season. This comes on the heels of a child abuse sex scandal case that has clouded the university in the last week.
A person, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the decision has yet to be announced, said Paterno will announce his retirement later Wednesday.
In a statement Paterno said-
“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.”
STORY: Joe Paterno On His Way Out At Penn State
Last night, Paterno spoke briefly to supporters as his program and the school were still reeling from the scandal.
Paterno told his supporters:
“I’ve lived for this place. I’ve lived for people like you guys and girls, It’s hard for me to say how much this means. As you know, the kids that were the victims, I think we ought to say a prayer for them.”
STORY: The 411 On The Penn State Sex Scandal
It is alleged that defensive assistant coach Jerry Sandusky raped a 10-year-old boy in the very showers used by the Penn State football players.
Sandusky apparently seduced the boy with promises of things like tickets to games and visits to the Penn State locker room.
This has been a black a eye for a program that has been a very symbol of college football.
Paterno has been coaching Penn State football for 46 years and now he has decided to retire.
