Joe Paterno Announces He Will Retire at Season's End

Thanks, Joe, that's so kind of you.

Joe Paterno confirmed reports from this morning that his career would finally come to a close upon completion of his 46th season leading Penn State.  
 
According to the Associated Press, Paterno, who broke down in tears when speaking to his team for 10-15 minutes this morning, said in his statement that he was devastated by how things have progressed and that he is praying and lamenting for the families of the victims. 
 
"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," said Paterno. "I have the same goal today."
 
Despite many calls from the public to step down immediately, Paterno will coach this weekend's final home game against Nebraska and finish the rest of the season. 
 
"My goals now are to keep my commitments to my players and staff and finish the season with dignity and determination," said the 84-year-old. "And then I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this university."
 
He went on to express that the university has his full cooperation. 
 
"At this moment the Board of Trustees should not spend a single minute discussing my status, he said. "They have far more important matters to address. I want to make this as easy for them as I possibly can."
 
If you wanted to make things easier, Joe, you would have done the right thing and stepped down today. [via Associated Press]

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