Former Penn State coach Joe Paterno dead at 85
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Joe Paterno talks with the media following thier 27-11 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide at Beaver Stadium on September 10, 2011 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Photographer: Rob Carr/Getty Images
Copyright Getty Images
Posted: 01/22/2012
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - Joe Paterno, who racked up more wins than anyone else in major college football but was fired from Penn State amid a child sex abuse scandal has died. He was 85.
His family released a statement Sunday morning to announce his death.
Paterno's son Scott announced Nov. 18 that his father was being treated for lung cancer, which was diagnosed in mid-November during a follow-up visit for a bronchial illness.
The storied career of "JoePa" included 409 wins in 46 seasons and two national championships.
But his reputation for success with honor was shattered when a former assistant was charged with molesting 10 boys during a 15-year span, including some in the Penn State athletic complex.
Critics said Paterno should have done more to stop it. He was fired Nov. 9.
In all, Paterno guided five teams to unbeaten, untied seasons.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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