Paterno will Retire at End of Season
Penn State University's football coach, Joe Paterno, announced Wednesday he will retire at the end of this football season.
Paterno said he was "absolutely devestated" by the case. The coach said he hopes his team can end its season with "dignity and determination."
The decision comes in the midst of the sexual abuse scandal that revolves around Paterno's former defensive coordinator, Jerry Sandusky. There is increasing suspicion that Paterno knew of Sandusky's abusive encounters.
"This is a tragedy," Paterno said in a statement. "It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more."
Sandusky has been charged with sexually assaulting eight young boys between 1994 and 2009. Both Penn State's athletic director and vice president for finance and business have been charged for failing to notify officials after someone reported an assault in 2002.
On Tuesday, Penn State's president cancelled Paterno's weekly news conference. Assistant Athletic Director Jeff Nelson released a statement saying: "Due to the ongoing legal circumstances centered around the recent allegations and charges, we have determined that today's press conference cannnot be held and will not be rescheduled."
Paterno's son reported that his father was disappointed about the cancellation, saying that he was ready to take on questions about the scandal and Penn State's upcoming game.
Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner said Monday that Paterno followed the law when he reported having seen Sandusky with a young boy in the team's locke rroom shower in 2002.
Commissioner Noonan, however, also questioned whether Paterno could have done more.
"Somebody has to question about what I would consider the moral requirements for a human being that knows of sexual things that are taking place with a child...I think you have a moral responsibility to call us," Noonan said.
Paterno began working with the Penn State football team 61 years ago. He has been head coach since 1966.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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