Joe Paterno: 'I Wish I Had Done More'
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The whirlwind surrounding Penn State grew in intensity Wednesday morning as Joe Paterno announced his retirement.
The university is dealing with a child sexual assault scandal involving former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.
Many had been calling for Paterno to step down for not reporting alleged incidents involving Sandusky and young boys to police.
According to a grand jury presentment, Paterno was made aware of an alleged incident involving Sandusky and a 10-year-old boy in the shower by a graduate assistant. The alleged incident took place on Penn State property.
Paterno reported the incident to Athletic Director Timothy Curley and has been cleared of any wrongdoing by Attorney General Linda Kelly.
However, Paterno issued the following statement to PR NewsWire on Wednesday:
"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."
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