Joe Paterno Retires: Full Statement From Joe Pa, Nov. 9 2011

Penn State Football Coach Joe Paterno Said He Will Retire in the Wake of the Jerry Sandusky Scandal, But Not Until the End of the Season. Here is the Full Statement from Joe Paterno

Penn State football coach Joe Paterno said he will retire from his job at the end of the 2011 football season. Paterno has been the coach of the Nittany Lions for more than 40 years. 

In the statement, Joe Pa addresses the Jerry Sandusky scandal, saying that he wishes he "had done more."

Here is the full statement from Joe Paterno on his retirement:

"STATE COLLEGE, Pa., Nov. 9, 2011 — 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."