Joe Paterno: Latest Updates and News on the Former Penn State Coach

There has been no shortage of controversy in college football over the last two seasons. However, none have come close to shaking the very core of the NCAA like the recent Penn State University scandal.

This case goes so much further than football. This case is about a man who took advantage of kids, a public icon whose image was stained, and a University that might never be the same.

The last week has been a whirlwind that has shaken the very foundation of everything we thought we knew. Joe Paterno was considered one of the good guys.

However, after this week, we have more questions than we do answers.

Joe Paterno Was Named in the Jerry Sandusky Case

On November 5, 2011, former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky was arrested on 40 counts of sexual abuse that involved eight separate young boys that spanned over a 15-year period.

The grand jury investigation stated that Mike McQueary, then a graduate assistant, told Paterno nine years ago that he had seen Sandusky performing a sex act on a 10-year-old boy in Penn State's locker room.  

After hearing this information, Paterno notified Athletic Director Tim Curley the next day about the incident. However, when Curley did not pursue the matter further, neither did Paterno.

This led to national criticisms and outcries against Paterno. While he fulfilled his obligations legally, morally he failed miserably. 

In one day, the public image he had built over the previous 60 years was tainted and challenged.

Joe Paterno Announces His Resignation

With pressure mounting from the national media, Joe Paterno announced his resignation after serving an astounding 46 years as the head coach of Penn State University.

Paterno said in his resignation statement, “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."

Some saw the resignation as his attempt to remain for the rest of the season. Others believed it was a sincere attempt to make the situation as simple as possible.

For years people had wondered when Joe Pa would finally retire. It seemed the end was finally at hand, but in a much different way than anyone could have imagined.

The Board of Directors Fires Joe Paterno

Just hours after Joe Paterno announced his resignation that would be effective at the end of the season, the Board of Directors rejected his resignation and fired him effective immediately.

Although it was not completely unexpected, it was still surreal.

Thousands of students stormed the downtown area to display their anger over the decision of the board. Many fans gathered peaceably, while others showed their discontentment by destroying property ranging from car windows to overturned news vans.

The nation stood astonished, but the Nittany Lions fans showed they were standing for their coach.

On the other side of town, hundreds of fans gathered around Paterno's home to show their support. He would emerge from the house and thank the gatherers and encourage the people to pray for the victims.

He also encouraged the students not to damage property and to get ready for school the next day.

Joe Paterno Hires High Powered Lawyer

Scott Paterno, the son of Joe Paterno, announced today that Coach Paterno had hired the services of criminal defense lawyer J. Sedgwick Sollers.

The statement released by the family stated, “On behalf of my father, I have retained Wick Sollers at the law firm of King and Spalding. My father's desire is for the truth to be uncovered and he will work with his lawyers to that end."

Sollers is no stranger to high profile cases. He once defended former president George H.W. Bush in the Iran-Contra affair.

Paterno has not been charged with any crimes in the case and is not currently under investigation. Chances are that he will be called upon as a witness for any civil trial and could be sued individually.

Family Announces the Paterno Family Will Not Make Any Further Public Statements

Also in the stament released today was the announcement that Coach Paterno would not be making any further statements to the media or the general public.

In the statement released, Scott Paterno stated, “Going forward, Mr. Sollers has directed my father, our family and everyone associated with us to make no further public statements and to respond to no media inquiries. We will honor this request. Accordingly, all requests for comments or other information should be directed to Mr. Sollers."

The public might want answers, but this is a wise choice for the Paterno family. He is currently not being charged with any crimes. However, he must be careful not to say anything that would hurt him in civil court.

Wednesday Paterno stated, “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."

While this statement might have been sincere, it opened him to harsh, but fair, criticism. Sollers will do everything in his power to make sure that Coach Paterno remains silent on the subject.