Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno has announced he will retire at the end of the season in a statement released Wednesday morning:
"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."
While a start, this is simply not good enough. Paterno needs to step down immediately. He IS Penn State football. He made ALL the decisions within the program. He was told about an incident involving Jerry Sandusky and a young boy, in the shower, in a Penn State facility yet continued to allow Sandusky access to the program and facilities.
That is unacceptable and proves that Paterno has completely lost touch with reality. Does Paterno understand just how serious this is? Does he know what Jerry Sandusky is accused of?
If Joe Paterno truly wants what is best for Penn State University, he'll resign immediately and be on an island somewhere on Saturday night, no where near a football field.