BREAKING NEWS: Sources have confirmed that Joe Paterno will retire at the end of the season. Still uncertain is the status of Paterno for the remaining three games on the schedule. Penn State hosts Nebraska this weekend, then travels to Ohio State and Wisconsin in the final two weeks of the season.
It appears that Paterno made the executive decision to retire at the end of the season, and for that reason, his status for the remaining three games, including this Saturday, is still uncertain. With President Graham Spanier expected to be removed soon, and a Board of Trustees meeting on Friday, it is still uncertain if the university will relieve Paterno of his duties before Saturday.
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Below is the official statement from Paterno:
STATE COLLEGE, Pa., Nov. 9, 2011 — 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.
