Joe Paterno announces he will retire from Penn State, Graham Spanier also likely out

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The Joe Paterno era at Penn State University will end this season, the legendary coach announced Wednesday morning.

“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,” he said.

The case he references is, of course, the case against Jerry Sandusky, who has been indicted and stands accused of sexually assaulting at least eight young boys, many of them in the football facilities at Penn State University.

“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,” he said.

While acknowledging that he wished he’d done more when he learned of the allegations against Sandusky, Paterno’s statement focused mostly on his football experience and his continuing efforts to help Penn State thrive, even after he retires at the end of the season.

Wednesday afternoon, a Pennsylvania newspaper reported that the Penn State University Board of Trustees had decided that university president Graham Spanier would either resign by the end of the day Wednesday — or be fired by the board. Business Insider reported that the Board of Trustees would replace its chairman, Steve A. Garban — no longer confident in his ability to lead.

Prosecutors continue to investigate the allegations against Sandusky, which have led two university officials to resign. Both Paterno and Spanier faced repeated calls for their resignation or retirement. It’s unclear if Paterno’s plans to retire at the end of the season will mollify his critics

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