My life has been filled with sunshine. Joe Paterno was born as Joseph Vincent Paterno on December 21, 1926 in Brooklyn, New York. Two other Penn State officials, Curley and the head of campus security, Gary Schultz, had been indicted on counts of perjury and failure to report. The Paterno family issued a statement earlier Saturday before the film ran. After his 409th victory as the head coach of Penn State Nittany Lions, Paterno was dismissed from the team on November 9, 2011, as he was involved in a child sex abuse scandal. ", "Other than the thing Mike told me, no," Joe answered.2, "Nothing? Family members remembered looking out the window and seeing their neighbor raking autumn leaves in between the legs of camera tripods. Joe Paterno and his family took great pride in giving back to the campus of Penn State. He was -- he was fighting. Paterno became the first coach to win each of the four major bowls, namely Fiesta, Orange, Rose, and Sugar. Under Paternos coaching, Penn State won two national championships and had a dream run of five undefeated seasons from 1968 to 1994. Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky leaves the Centre County Courthouse after being sentenced in his child sex abuse case on October 9, 2012 in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. As it happens, Joe Paterno had a very garden-variety will. The takeaway: If you want privacy, transfer the bulk of your assets through a living trust (also called a revocable trust), rather than a will. But he had not yet read the presentment. Paterno was on Penn State's staff for seventeen seasons, twelve of which he served as the quarterbacks coach. But more than just being a wonderful coach, he was a mentor to the entire community in State College, Pa . Why does it matter to you if this p e d o p hile sandusky was h omos xual or not? A minute later, Sue called the number. As my grand jury testimony stated, I was informed in 2002 by an assistant coach that he had witnessed an incident in the shower of our locker room facility. Joe Paterno holds an official NCAA total of 18 bowl victories. 'He was not vigilant like he used to be. "I had to do everything I could to not cry right then," Scott recalled. _. However, the matter was not reported to police, which allowed Sandusky to get away with his crime for the next decade or so. When he asked Scott, What is sodomy, anyway? I thought my heart was going to break. Paterno answered, got upset, answered again, rambled a bit more. Two years into his career as the head coach, Paterno coached his team to two undefeated seasons in 1968 and 1969. It was a sexual nature. "You need a ride, Joe?" Still, Jay and others in the family clung to some hope that people would conclude Joe had been fooled like everyone else. The Washington Post's Sally Jenkins discussed her exclusive interview with Penn State legend Joe Paterno, in which the former head football coach spoke at length about the child sexual abuse. On Monday night, Penn State sent out a press release to the media stating that Paterno would answer questions only about football. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. "What do we (the family) do with our lives and what they (the players) do with their lives are going to be the thing that becomes a legacy for him," he said. He also coached Michael Robinson to a Heisman Trophy finalist season in 2005. To Paterno, however, it was less clear, according to the book. . Had he used what so many people saw as his immense power to stop Jerry Sandusky? This blog This Just In will no longer be updated. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Later he would tell friends and family that he knew, even then, that this would be his last year as a coach. Paterno insisted until his death that McQuearys account was the flrst time he had ever heard about Sandusky behaving improperly with children. It told a hideous story of a famous former coach, philanthropist, and community leader who used his access to troubled children and Penn State football resources to commit unthinkable crimes against children. The Paterno family has also . You can follow her articles on Forbes by clicking the red plus sign or the blue Facebook subscribe button to the right of her picture above any post. And so he leaves us with a peaceful mind, comforted by his living legacy of five kids, 17 grandchildren, and hundreds of young men whose lives he changed in more ways than can begin to be counted. Paterno was fired over the phone, sitting at his kitchen table late at night. The only reason his death is a headline is because of his recent controversy. "It is with great sadness that we announce that Joe Paterno passed away earlier today. So what do straights do, mo lest young girls? "'I had to do everything I could to not cry right then,' Scott recalled.". If true, the nature and amount of charges made are very shocking to me and all Penn Staters. Joe Paterno, the son said, would never have protected Sandusky, whom he labeled "an obscure assistant coach no one had yet heard of" in 1976, nor would he have left his own young children . "Look, Penn State and Joe Paterno will be intertwined forever," Jay Paterno said. Joe Paterno. I know we don't always see eye to eye, but it matters to you whether or not this criminal was h omos xual? "Later, a rumor surfaced that the university was going to have its own press conference. He was then honored with the prestigious George Munger Award on three occasions from 1990 to 2005. And then she hung up. There would be much back-and-forth later about who stopped talking first, who would not return whose phone calls, but in interviews almost every member of the Paternos immediate family said that they tried to start a dialogue with the university trustees and were rebuffed. Editors Note: In the summer of 2011, Penn State football coach Joe Paterno allowed the journalist Joe Posnanski, then a senior writer for Sports Illustrated, to join him in State College, Pennsylvania, to spend the upcoming season writing his biography. It would be nice to just move on to something new.". On Thursday, Paterno met with his coaches at his house. The campus was overrun with emotion. In 1944, Paterno graduated from Brooklyn Preparatory School.Six weeks later he was drafted into the Army during World . As Scott struggled through the details, he grew angrier and angrier. Despite his announcement, the Board of Trustees decided to terminate Paternos contract. All Rights Reserved. An exclusive excerpt from a new biography, Your GQ-Approved Essential Spring Menswear Shopping List, The Best New Menswear Items Under $100 to Buy Right Now, 35 Alarmingly Good Watch Deals to Upgrade Your Wrist, Donna Kelce Tells Us the Story Behind Her Half-Eagles, Half-Chiefs Jersey, Brooklyn Nets Sharpshooter Yuta Watanabe Is Thriving on the NBA's Most Chaotic Team. Looking for the freshest news from CNN? Joe Paterno believed the same thing. The allegations about a former coach are troubling, and it is appropriate that they be investigated thoroughly. filed a motion in Centre County Court to unseal the will, Same-Sex Couples Face A Raft Of Planning Issues, How I Became The Straight Lady For Gay Marriage, Joe Paternos House Transfer Was A Dumb Tax Move, Estate Planning Smarts: A Practical, User-Friendly, Action-Oriented Guide. I've pretty much said what I have to say about paterno. And no, I have never been the victim of such a man, thank God. Loving wife. "'[The criticism] really doesn't matter,' said Paterno in our last conversation," Posnanski writes. A statement released by Mount Nittany Medical Center said Paterno was surrounded by his family in his hospital room at the time of his passing. Joe Paterno, family consistently gave back to Penn State, community Grace Rambo Jan 23, 2012 Just one close look at Penn State's campus reveals subtle pieces of the coach's legacy. The two got married in 1962 and were blessed with five children, namely Diana, Joseph Jr., Mary, Scott, and David. Jay Paterno, one of Joe and Sue Paterno's five children, has been travelling and writing columns at a time when he's usually used to getting ready for the season opener. At the same time, the family also said last month it planned. Joe Posnanski, who in 2012 was named the Best Sportswriter in America by the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame, was with Paterno and his family as a horrific national scandal unfolded and Paterno was fired. Penn State students would be mocked for, as one news site put it, "rioting over the firing of a child-molester enabler." Though Joe Paterno or JoePa, as he was lovingly addressed by his players, had his share of controversies at the end of his career, he had done enough to be recognized as one of the legendary football coaches in the history of American football. Rest in peace Mr. Paterno your legacy will NOT be tarnished. This past weekend, the Paterno family released its own report documenting alleged errors and problems with the Freeh Report.On Monday, they followed in the steps of Manti Te'o and Lance Armstrong . Look at me. Paterno, nicknamed "JoePa," holds the record for the most victories by an FBS football coach with 409 and is the only FBS coach to reach 400 victories. In addition to his wife and his son Joseph Jr., known as Jay, Paterno is survived by his sons David and Scott; his daughters, Diana Giegerich and Mary Kathryn Hort; and many grandchildren.. That impact has been felt and appreciated by our family in the form of thousands of letters and well wishes along with countless acts of kindness from people whose lives he touched. How could it be worse? "They think you are!" His short speech to the students was quintessential Paterno, filled with raw emotion and winding roads: I want to say hello to all these great students who I love. Before the NCAA sanctions, he had a bowl record of 24 wins, 12 losses, and 1 tie following a defeat in the 2011 Outback Bowl. "Joe Paterno wasn't perfect," the family wrote. Healthy children. Please have some taste in your comments Mr. Paterno did what he was supposed to do. While I did what I was supposed to with the one charge brought to my attention, like anyone else involved I cant help but be deeply saddened these matters are alleged to have occurred. Everything else, including cash and securities, would go to a living trust set up in 1997. Sandusky hated meetings, overlooked details and was uninterested in recruiting. It was revealed that Sanduskys act of child sexual abuse occurred from 1994 to 2009, which included incidents inside the Penn State campus. Second, Paterno was going to have to retire; the damage had been too great. Im out of it, maybe now. Read the full statement released by Joe Paterno's family: It is with great sadness that we announce that Joe Paterno passed away earlier today. In December, Penn State won the Academic Bowl for scholastic excellence among the best football programs in the nation. He had worked as a lawyer and as a lobbyist. I've got Nebraska to think about, I can't worry about this.' It doesn't matter if he rode the highways, stopping in every rest area for a taste of the region.. Joe Paterno finished his career with a record of 409-136-3; he won countless championsips. Multiple sources told reporter Sara Ganim that "the deputy state prosecutor handling the case said that Paterno did the right thing and handled himself appropriately in 2002 [later changed to 2001].". About an hour before the scheduled time, a university representative called DElia and said the press conference had been canceled by order of the board. Copyright 2012 by Joe Posnanski. All rights reserved. When Paternos name came up, she was clear about his meeting his legal responsibility.5, However, the question had shifted: It was no longer about Paternos meeting his legal responsibility; it was, as one Paterno family member bitterly called it, "the Joe Paterno morality clause." Phil Knight, cofounder of Nike, changed his opinion after hearing the Paterno family's rebuttal to the claims that Coach Joe Paterno knowingly allowed Jerry Sandusky's sexual abuse of children to . The Paterno family also dropped "all outstanding claims," including a 2014 lawsuit against the university by Paterno's son, and the university. Jan. 22, 2012 -- Joe Paterno Jr., whose glittering career as Penn State's football coach was tainted by a child sex-abuse scandal, died today. _, 4. Apply Bed Bath and Beyond coupon and save 25% off your entire purchase, Target Circle: up to 50% Off with Target promo code, With Asos Promo Code you take 70% OFF Select styles, Michael Kors promo code: sign up for KORSVIP + Get 10% off on First Order, 2023 Cond Nast. Paterno, played by Al Pacino in the film out April 7, was known as "The winningest coach in college football history." He might have co-coached the Pennsylvania State football team with Sandusky,. Media people stood across the street, on a neighbors lawn, and pointed their cameras and their notepads at the front door of the house. In January of 2015, the NCAA agreed to restore 111 of Paternos wins as part of a settlement of the lawsuit brought by state Sen, Jake Corman and former state Treasurer Rob McCord. But the only eyebrow raiser about his will is why his family tried to hide it. In 2005, he was also honored with several other awards, including The Home Depot Coach of the Year Award, Dave McClain Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year, and Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award.. On Sunday, Guido DElia, a close family adviser, returned from an out-of-town trip and went to the Paternos home. I have complete confidence in how they have handled the allegations about a former University employee. He was less available and less forthcoming than ever. He was 85. From the forthcoming book Paterno by Joe Posnanski, to be published by Simon Schuster in August 2012. Ive got Nebraska to think about, I cant worry about this." How is expressing sympathy for this man and his family enabling? He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community. The crying was over. He also played for State College Area High School. Later Ganter would tell friends he did not know what was written on it. Obviously, he was doing something with the youngster. The Paterno family released their own review months later that disputed allegations in the Freeh report, saying the allegation is false that Paterno participated in a conspiracy. Kellys conclusion preceded the Freeh report. Paterno's death in January leaves unanswered the question of why he turned the other cheek to the horrendous child abuse charges involving Sandusky. The family released the statement in which Paterno attempted to retire at the end of the season, but within an hour the news stories were reporting that the board might not give him the chance. He already had the record for Division I-A so this wasnt exactly a record. He created Penn State's "HD offense" which utilized skill players to touch the ball in a variety of ways. Sandusy has been convicted of 45 counts of child sex abuse, and is awaiting sentencing in a Pennsylvania jail. It was substantially the statement that several of Paternos advisers had wanted him to release back in March when the Sandusky investigation first broke. Two months ago, his record-setting career was cut short when he was fired in the aftermath of child sex-abuse charges against his former assistant Jerry Sandusky. Paterno was fired by the Board of Trustees on Nov. 9, 2011, after the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal. Christopher Craig Hort, 53, who is mar Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. It wasnt an official record, but it gave Penn State the opportunity to celebrate Paterno one more time.1 President Graham Spanier and athletic director Tim Curley showed up to give him a plaque. His loss leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled. His daughter Mary Kay said she called three. Still, the calls for Paterno to step down were widespread and fierce. In addition to his wife, Sue and son, Scott, Paterno is survived by sons Jay and David; daughters Diana and Mary Kay; and 17 grandchildren. Unlike his father, who was a staunch Republican, Jay is a Democrat, and supported Barack Obama during the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections. I have seen that they are good people, who did not ask for this fight. I did not recognize the man Mr. Freeh described, she said. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Paterno shouted. The family of Joe Paterno has my sympathy for their loss. Within three months, Paterno died of lung cancer, a tragic end to a life that was epic, influential, and operatic. Paternos initial aspiration was to join a law school, and was even accepted by the Boston University School of Law. However, he changed his mind after his college graduation and chose to coach at Pennsylvania State University.. He was now governor and would play a substantial role in what was to follow. January 24, 2012 / 10:45 AM He and his wife did not drink much alcohol, while the Paternos drank socially. He had worked with Coca-Cola, Texaco, and General Motors. A previously unreleased police report written 10 years after the most infamous incident in the Jerry Sandusky child rape scandal at Penn State revealed more evidence that Joe Paterno knew about . Joe Paterno met Sue at the Penn State library while he was an assistant football coach, and she was a freshman in Happy Valley. Whether probate is costly or burdensome will depend on the state. His whole life he had rambled. We are pleased that the Paterno family has indicated that they will not support public or private advocacy efforts to revisit the past, through further review or release of investigative materials, or otherwise.. When McGinn arrived at the house, the Paterno family and friends were almost physically holding Joe back from giving a press conference right then and there. ", Jay Paterno added, "What you're going to see is as we get past the next couple of days and celebrate his life, the legacy that's going to remain is his sense of personal excellence is what really came through. Of law no, '' Scott recalled. `` High School played for State College, Pa exactly. Until his death is a headline is because of his recent controversy recent controversy your legacy will be... 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