Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Joe Paterno’s full statement, announcing his retirement at the end of the 2011 football season

 

image STATE COLLEGE, Pa., Nov. 9, 2011 -- 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.

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. I have the same goal today.

That's why 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. They have far more important matters to address. I want to make this as easy for them as I possibly can.

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.

My goals now are to keep my commitments to my players and staff and finish the season with dignity and determination. And then I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this University.

JoePa is right about one thing. The Board of Trustees does indeed have far more important issues to address, and the first item on that agenda should be the immediate dismissal of University President Graham Spanier.

Spanier cannot be allowed to have Joe Paterno be the only high profile head to roll in this crisis. His leadership failures, his neglect of his moral obligations and his absolute cowardice in the midst of this crisis are unforgivable. Spanier must go, too.

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