Current Penn State president Rodney Erickson and the Penn State Board Of Trustees have released a statement regarding the death of Joe Paterno Sunday morning.
We grieve for the loss of Joe Paterno, a great man who made us a greater university. His dedication to ensuring his players were successful both on the field and in life is legendary and his commitment to education is unmatched in college football. His life, work and generosity will be remembered always.
The University plans to honor him for his many contributions and to remember his remarkable life and legacy. We are all deeply saddened.
Many Penn State fans have vilified the Board Of Trustees for its decision to fire Paterno in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal. It’s obviously not impossible, however, to believe Paterno’s decisions regarding the scandal made him the wrong man to head the football program, and still be truly saddened by his passing.