Penn State Students React To Sex Scandal
YORK, Pa. (WJZ)—More fallout from the Penn State sex scandal. Now football coach Joe Paterno may be out the door.
Meghan McCorkell has the latest.
Several Pennsylvania newspapers have called for Paterno to resign. Now there's word that the winningest coach in college football could be gone in days.
In the middle of an impromptu rally outside his home, Joe Paterno spoke out amidst rumors that his days as Penn State head football coach are numbered.
"I've lived for this place," Paterno said. "I've lived for people like you guys and girls."
The university canceled Paterno's weekly press conference.
His son says Joe-Pa will coach Saturday.
"Any discussion of an exit strategy has not taken place with anyone that's advising Joe or Joe himself," said Scott Paterno, Joe Paterno's son.
But the New York Times reports the university is planning Paterno's exit after his former defensive coach Jerry Sandusky was charged with sexually abusing eight boys over a 15-year period.
According to an indictment, a graduate assistant told Joe Paterno he saw Sandusky assaulting a boy in a locker room shower.
Paterno told his superiors, but they didn't call police.
"He did the minimum of what he had to do," said Zach Rittle, Penn State freshman. "He could have done more. He probably has to go. I don't want him to go. But he probably has to because of the severity of the situation."
Students at the Penn State York campus are worried the scandal reflects poorly on the school.
"I'm going to Penn State because I hear all these great things about it, and something like this is just not good," said Alyssa Gradus, Penn State student.
At least one more alleged victim has come forward.
Coach Paterno had a message for those affected.
"We all ought to say a prayer for them," he said.
Now fans are hoping he doesn't fall victim, too.
The university Board of Trustees held an emergency teleconference Tuesday night and will meet in the coming days.
Joe Paterno has been the head coach of their football program for 46 years.
Two former university officials have been charged with failure to report the abuse to authorities as required by state law.
Police say Paterno met his legal obligations because he told his superiors.
