Joe Paterno in Serious Condition

Former Penn State coach takes turn for the worse with lung cancer
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jan 21, 2012 8:12 PM CST
Joe Paterno in Serious Condition
Penn State coach Joe Paterno in a 2009 file photo.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

Joe Paterno's doctors say the former Penn State coach's condition has become "serious" after he experienced complications from lung cancer in recent days. The winningest major college football coach of all time, Paterno was diagnosed shortly after Penn State's board of trustees ousted him Nov. 9 in the aftermath of the child sex abuse charges against former assistant Jerry Sandusky.

Paterno's been getting treatment since, and his health problems were worsened when he broke his pelvis, an injury that first cropped up when he was accidentally hit in preseason practice last year. "Over the last few days Joe Paterno has experienced further health complications," a family spokesman said. "His doctors have now characterized his status as serious." Paterno's sons Scott and Jay both took to Twitter tonight to refute reports that their father had died. Wrote Jay Paterno: "I appreciate the support (and) prayers. Joe is continuing to fight." (More Joe Paterno stories.)

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