Paterno Decides To Retire Leaving More Questions
By Joseph Santoliquito
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — It was like a living funeral of a beloved grandfatherly figure when Joe Paterno told his team Wednesday morning that he would retire after this season. There had been speculation for some time this week about Paterno's future, but the 84-year-old coaching legend ended that talk by making his announcement to the team.
The looming question is: What happens next?
"The talk is that a lot of the staff may be retained, but a lot of the players think they're going to clean house and try to separate themselves from Coach Paterno and what's happened here, because it's a real shame Coach Paterno will always be connected to this," one source close to the program said. "Let's be a little realistic here, too. Coach Paterno hasn't coached in some time here. I'd say he was more of a figurehead. That [coaching] staff was calling the shots. But there has been a whole lot of pressure, and we're all trying to stay together."
It was a powerfully emotional moment when Paterno announced to his team in intentions.
At the core of Paterno's announcement is the sex-abuse scandal involving former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.
"I am absolutely devastated by the developments of this case," Paterno said in a statement. "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 in 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 would have 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 spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this university."
Sources close to the program are taking a wait-and-see approach. Families of recruits that have committed to Penn State have received phone calls from the coaching staff, as have families of underclassmen. They have all been reassured that the Penn State program, whoever takes over next, will continue to move forward.
"It was good to hear that the staff still cares," a source close to the program said. "We know Coach Paterno cares, and I think he's done the right thing, because it's a start in the right direction. The school at least has a direction."
Two Penn State recruits are taking a wait-and-see approach, including one major recruit, Noah Spence, who may still be considering Penn State, despite what was publicly tweeted Tuesday amid the swirl of breaking new about the ongoing drama.
"I think everyone fears that Penn State football is going to fall into this hole and never come back out again," a source close to the program said. "This is a mess and we're all relying on the coaching staff to get us through this. Maybe we can talk about football again soon."
