Joe Paterno has made the decision retire at the end of the 2011 football season.
The 84-year old coach released a statement Wednesday morning announcing his decision.
“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,” Paterno said in the statement. “I have the same goal today. That's why I have decided to announce my retirement effective at the end of this season.”
Paterno has been scrutinized for his role in last weekend’s reports regarding allegations against former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. Sandusky is charged with 40 criminal counts, in connection with the sexual assaults of eight young boys between 1994 and 2009.
Paterno has not been accused of any legal wrongdoing, but he has been questioned whether he could have done more to stop Sandusky.
The state police commissioner called his lack of efforts a lapse of “moral responsibility."
In the statement, Paterno expressed his grief for the families of the alleged victims.
“I am absolutely devastated by the developments in this case,” he said. “I grieve for the children and their families, and I pray for their comfort and relief.”
“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.”
In the statement, Paterno said he wants to make Penn State’s Board of Trustees jobs as easy as possible.
“They have far more important matters to address,” he said.
The 84-year old Paterno is in his 46th season as head coach of the Nittany Lions, and he plans to continue coaching through the remainder of the season.
“My goals now are to keep my commitments to my players and staff and finish the season with dignity and determination,” he said. “And then I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this university.”
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