Former Penn State Coach Joe Paterno dies at 85

Former Penn State coach, Joe Paterno, 85, died Sunday morning after a battle with lung cancer. Paterno has been the topic of much news lately between the Jerry Sandusky child sex scandal in which Paterno openly admits in what is now his last public interview stating "with the benefit of hindsight, I wish I would have done more". Paterno, who after 61 years in the Penn State football program leaves behind a record that holds the most wins as a college coach in history. Paterno's family indicated Saturday evening through a family spokesman that Paterno was in 'serious condition' and summoned relatives to visit Paterno at his hospital bed. Reports indicate the Paterno coached over 200 players in college that continued on to play football in the National Football League.

Shortly after Paterno was fired the allegations of his involvement were questioned and brought forth to a grand jury. Former assistant Jerry Sandusky faces pending charges in the grand jury case that is ongoing. Paterno up to this point, was never charged in the allegations. Penn State alumni have gone on record in support of Paterno throughout this period, indicating that "Joe-pa", as he is nicknamed, was and always will be Penn State.

Paterno suffered a bout with bronchitis back in November and it was then the lung cancer was diagnosed. Paterno had been hospitalized on Jan 13th and was receiving chemotherapy for the cancer. Paterno also suffered a fall at his home prior to this but did not need surgery.

Paterno is survived by his wife and children, including son, who currently works on the Penn State football roster as an assistant.

As complicated as this story goes, Paterno leaves his legacy behind at Penn State. A legacy that once untarnished, now must balance between the man, the game, the death, and the abuse.