A lot of rumors have been flying around over the last few days about Joe Paterno's health. We've heard from anonymous e-mailers with anonymous sources, folks in the press corps, and even Sue Paterno, but on Tuesday, the coach finally addressed things himself in a joint press conference with Florida coach Urban Meyer ahead of Saturday's Outback Bowl.
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↵Paterno said rumors that the game Saturday between the two 7-5 teams at Raymond James Stadium would be the final one of his Hall of Fame career are "ridiculous."
↵He said he feels "great," reiterating what his wife, Sue, said Monday, and he said he plans to return for the final year of his contract in 2011.
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More here.
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↵"I don't know. People think I'm going to quit this year or next year. I haven't even thought of it," he said. "I honest to goodness have not thought of it.
↵"The situation around me is very stable. The athletic director was a kid that I recruited as a walk-on, the coaches have been with me ... the [school] president has been with us now maybe 14, 15 years. We have a lot of fun together. I don't see any reason to get out. ... I feel great," he said.
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So that's that. Paterno says he's coming back and insists his health is fine. Of course, people will probably find a way to spin that into something it's not, but most people can probably rest easy for now with those comments about the coach's future.
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