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State College, PA
The following is Penn State football coach Joe Paterno's statement about leaving the program he has led since 1966 and racked up over 400 wins with. It was given early Wednesday when he attempted to retire at the end of the season.
"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."
The school's Board of Trustees opted to fire him along with President Graham Spanier, effective immediately, however late Wednesday. Tom Bradley will take over as coach on an interim basis.
In their statement Wednesday night, the board announced:
"The Pennsylvania State University Board of Trustees and Graham Spanier have decided that, effective immediately, Dr. Spanier is no longer president of the University. Additionally, the board determined that it is in the best interest of the University for Joe Paterno to no longer serve as head football coach, effective immediately.
"The board has named Dr. Rodney A. Erickson, executive vice president and provost, as the interim president of the University. Tom Bradley, assistant coach, has been named interim head football coach."
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Paterno out now
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Penn State Fires Coach Paterno, Effective Immediately
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