Joe Paterno has lung cancer, son says

Joe Paterno in an undated file photo. / AP

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Former Penn State coach Joe Paterno has a treatable form of lung cancer, according to his son.

Scott Paterno said in a statement provided to The Associated Press by a family representative on Friday that the 84-year-old Joe Paterno is undergoing treatment and that "his doctors are optimistic he will make a full recovery."

"As everyone can appreciate, this is a deeply personal matter for my parents, and we simply ask that his privacy be respected as he proceeds with treatment," Scott Paterno said in a brief statement.

Complete coverage: Penn State scandal

Scott Paterno said the diagnosis was made during a follow-up visit last weekend for a bronchial illness.

Earlier Friday, the Standard-Speaker newspaper of Hazleton, Pa., reported that Paterno had been seen Wednesday visiting the Mount Nittany Medical Center and was treated for an undisclosed ailment and released.

Paterno was fired last week in the aftermath of shocking allegations against former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, charged with sexually abusing eight boys over 15 years. He initially announced his retirement effective the end of the season the morning of Nov. 9 before university trustees fired him about 12 hours later.

Paterno's stature "demanded more," trustee says

The lurid scandal tarnished the reputation of a football program that once prided itself on the slogan "Success with Honor." The Hall of Famer's 409 career victories are a Division I record.

[TruthandtheAmericanWay]

To clarify an oft-repeated piece of "information."
Joe Paterno did not say that he "should" have done more.
He said, "With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more."

I am sure that, with the benefit of hindsight, there are likely hundreds of people who wish that they had done more in the Sandusky case. But, in real-time, Joe Paterno (like the hundreds of other people) did not have a 23-page Grand Jury list of allegations.

All that he had was a second-hand report of some activity, which he promptly reported.

I just want to get that full quote out there for those who may not have read the actual, real quote.

"With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more."

[OrangPuteh]

"Joe Paterno Has Lung Cancer."

Karma.

[jschmidt27]

I guess all you jokers know he didn't witness anything. He didn't protect anyone. And based on his hearsay evidence, the police could not bring charges. He reported what he was told. The hate here is unbelievable.

[thechooch1]

schmidt27 your slant on the facts are also "unbelievable". But you do have part of it right, "he didn't protect anyone", especially the children.

[jschmidt27]

thechooch1- Joe couldn't even appear as a witness in a court of law. It appears you don't understand the law. Posters seem to blame Joe more then the perpetrator. I think some here just want to pile on a great man. He admitted he made a mistake but there is no evidence he knew anything about other incidents or covered up anything. You people condemn before you know the facts. Your acting as a lynch mob would. It is just pure hate for someone who was a successful coach for 40 years.

[Nuff__said]

They have health care in prison.

[ReckonedTruth]

The sympathy kick is not going to let Paterno off the hook..the family is asking for privacy regarding this matter? Then why intentionally release this information to the media?

Paterno is no scapegoat.. he admitted verbally that he should have done more..that's an admission of guilt he KNEW about Jerry Sandusky. Look don't be fooled they all knew.

I could care less if Joe Paterno has lung cancer... he's lucky to be alive at his age if he's a smoker or has a history of smoking.

What I care about are OUR kids that are put in the hands of mentors and coaches who molest, rape and sexually assault them.

I DO care how is it .. this nation's protects and covers people who are considered in high esteem, yet proven to be unethical, immoral and perverse and allowed to continue to mentor(sandusky) and continue to molest, rape and sexually assault kids WHY?

[2catnight]

Perfect timing, huh?

[tmn]

My family sends its best wishes to the Paterno family. It's been a rough month, first being scapegoated for Sandusky's actions, and now this. I hope his cancer can really be treated successfully.

[ctcalif]

'SCAPEGOATED'??????? Guess you approve of child abuse. Nice, you and your family have a nice life.

[jschmidt27]

ctcalif- yes he is a scapegoat. People don't like to see a succesful person and can't wait to tear him down. You condemn without proof. It's called a lynch mob and you contribute to it.

[rockychance]

I have lost most of my family to lung cancer so I really feel for anyone who has it, but I am heartbroken for the molested children and even though Paterno was a great coach, there is no way he is excused for not making sure something so evil that his assistant was doing to children was stopped!

[alanrobisch]

Nice people. I hope ther4e are people their to cheer you on when you become seriously ill just you as are here. Its postings like these that makes me fear for the future of america and disgusts me with many humans.

[sachuest]

If after the investigation - Joe is proven to have colluded with Cyrley and Schulz and covered things up - he should be punished to the full extent of the law.

But, on the other hand - many of you commenting on this are really just "Anger and Vengenance" finding a place to land. You're creepy too.