PITTSBURGH (AP) — A southwestern Pennsylvania race track and casino is putting its relationship with Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris on hiatus for comments he made in support of ousted Penn State coach Joe Paterno.

The Meadows Racetrack and Casino, located in Washington, Pa., about 30 minutes south of Pittsburgh, issued a statement on Tuesday saying Harris and the track have "mutually decided to put their business relationship on hold."

Harris and former Steelers backfield mate Rocky Bleier recently signed on to serve as spokesmen for the track and are featured in at least one TV commercial recently in heavy rotation in the Pittsburgh market.

Harris, who played for Paterno from 1968-71, last week chastised the school's board of trustees for showing "no courage" for firing Paterno in the wake of sex abuse allegations against former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.

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