Devon Edwards, managing editor of Penn State student blog Onward State, has released the following statement on the site's Facebook page following the site's report that former Nittany Lions coach Joe Paterno had died Saturday night. Paterno's son, Scott, tweeted that his father is still alive as of 9:22 PM on Saturday.
Earlier this evening, Onward State reported that Joe Paterno had passed away. However, the mountain of evidence stacked opposite that report is too much to ignore. At this time, I would like to issue a retraction of our earlier tweets ...
There are no excuses for what we did. We all make mistakes, but it’s impossible to brush off one of this magnitude. Right now, we deserve all of the criticism headed our way ...
I will be stepping down from my post as Managing Editor, effective immediately. I take full responsibility for the events that transpired tonight, and for the black mark upon the organization that I have caused.
I ask not for your forgiveness, but for your understanding. I am so very, very, sorry, and we at Onward State continue to pray for Coach Paterno.
Sincerely,
Devon Edwards
Poynter.org has an interesting chronology on its website of the apparently-erroneous report. It notes that CBS Sports tweeted Paterno's death as fact. CBS now attributes that reporting to Onward State.
For the latest on Joe Paterno's status, stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh.