Last night the Penn State students were chanting “One more game”, but that will not be the case for long-time Nittany Lions head coach Joe Paterno. He has been fired as the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions. University President Graham Spanier resigned on Wednesday night.
After hearing news of the firing, Paterno released a statement, saying: “I am disappointed with the Board of Trustees’ decision, but I have to accept it. A tragedy occurred, and we all have to have patience to let the legal process proceed. I appreciate the outpouring of support but want to emphasize that everyone should remain calm and please respect the university, its property and all that we value.”
The legendary coach built the Penn State football program and was the head man for 46 years, but he has coached his last game. Assistant coach Tom Bradley will take over things from here. Spanier’s duties will be taken over by Penn State provost, Rodney Erickson for the foreseeable future.
These decisions were made “in the best long-term interests of the university,” said John P. Surma, vice chairman of the trustees.
According to CBS News, Paterno was informed of his firing by phone but he also a letter was hand delivered to Paterno’s home this evening prior to a meeting with the Board of Trustees. Paterno responded to his firing by saying, “You give your life to this place and that’s how you’re treated.”
“The Penn State board of trustees tonight decided it is in the best interest of the university to have a change in leadership to deal with 
the difficult issues that we are facing,” Surma said.
“The past several days have been absolutely terrible for the entire Penn State community. But the outrage that we feel is nothing compared to the physical and psychological suffering that allegedly took place.”
Joe Pa will be just find. He has lived a WONDERFUL financially worry free life. If him being fired at 84 years old is his greatest worry he should speak to billions of other inhabitants around the world who struggle. From a football stand point I am elated of his departure. Give me Urban Meyer. JoePa has fielded a non-athletic irrelevant team for the last 18 years. Not since Kerry Collins( and also the Lavar Arrington lead defense), has this team garnered the spotlight. I want what LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma etc has. Give me them athletes. Even if those athletes arent willing to come to the road to nowhere atleast give me the Wisconsin, OSU country boys mixed in with the city skilled position players. Also, you dont think Bradley didnt know? They ALL knew, they all have been there for 50 years! Every coach, janitor etc. knew this had gone on.
How the Board handled this is another black mark on the reputation of a once proud school. No matter what he knew or did or did not do he did not deserve to go out like this. You bring the man in and talk to him and if you decided to fire him face to face like men, not cowering jealous pathetic excuse of a Board.
little late to the party, ckeevan paterno enabled pedophilia, a disgraced coach, program, and university, thousands of coaches mold young men every day, without fanfare, money, and they are no different than paterno except they are obscure, not wealthy, and not enablers of crimes against children