Nike Founder Defends Paterno, Gets Standing O

Pay recognized 'decades-long' contribution, says official

(NEWSER) - Even though Penn State coach Joe Paterno was forced out of his job for his failure to help prevent suspected sex assaults by his assistant coach, his estate was paid $5.7 million by the university. The money covers contract and pension payments, including a $3 million retirement bonus that was part of a 2011 contract amendment, reports the Pennsylvania Centre Daily Times . That payment does not include a $1,000-a-month payment for life to Paterno's widow, Sue, nor an additional $900,000 in TV and radio revenue. The university board decided last year to honor the obligations, despite the cloud under which Paterno left. More»

'This is a sad day!' former Penn State coach declares

(NEWSER) - Jerry Sandusky is an expert at running his mouth when he should probably shut it , so it comes as little surprise that the retired Penn State coach, now facing child sex abuse charges, felt the need to issue a statement on Joe Paterno's death. "This is a sad day! Our family, Dottie and I would like to convey our deepest sympathy to Sue and her family," Sandusky says in a statement obtained by the AP . "Nobody will be able to take away the memories we all shared of a great man, his family, and all the wonderful people who were a part of his life." Click to see who's protesting Paterno's funeral . More»

It's unclear why

(NEWSER) - Some might think of Mike McQueary as the antithesis of a whistleblower, but the former receivers coach has notified Penn State that he intends to sue the university for an amount beyond normal arbitration rules in a whistleblower lawsuit, the Centre Daily Times reports. The notice doesn't indicate precisely what McQueary's grievance is. McQueary is still on the Penn State payroll, but is on administrative leave. More»

Penn State board of trustees details how it came to decision to fire 'Joe Pa'

(NEWSER) - Penn State fired iconic coach Joe Paterno last year for his "failure of leadership" in not doing more to stop Jerry Sandusky's alleged sex abuse of young boys, according to a report the university's trustees released today detailing the reasons for their decision. While Paterno did his "minimum legal duty" in reporting Sandusky to Penn State's athletic director, the board says after agonizing days of discussion, it ultimately determined that his failure to do more "required his removal as football coach," Penn State Live reports. More»

Tributes paid to iconic coach's complicated legacy

(NEWSER) - Candles, flowers, and mourners surround Penn State's statue of "Joe Pa"; the men's basketball team observed a moment of silence before its game today; and the tributes are rolling in as State College pays tribute to the complicated legacy of Joe Paterno :

• Former Penn State President Graham Spanier: "He was a distinguished American, a legendary coach, and Penn State's greatest ambassador."
• Penn State's Board of Trustees: "We grieve for the loss of Joe Paterno, a great man who made us a greater university. His life, work, and generosity will be remembered always. The University plans to honor him for his many contributions and to remember his remarkable life and legacy."