Penn State's Joe Paterno is gravely ill and nearing death, as his family rushes to his side

Pennlive.com ^ | 1-20-2012

[Dysart]

Legendary former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno is gravely ill and his family is rushing to State College to be by his side, his family has confirmed

According to Onward State, Paterno was taken off of a respirator earlier today. However, the Paterno family has not confirmed that report.

Facebook and Twitter are flooded with students and fans saying that they are praying for Joe and for the Paterno family.

“Over the last few days Joe Paterno has experienced further health complications,” spokesman Dan McGinn said in a brief statement Saturday to The Associated Press. “His doctors have now characterized his status as serious."

“His family will have no comment on the situation and asks that their privacy be respected during this difficult time,” he said.

[MrEdd]

GRTBR

[momtothree]

As a Christian woman, I pray that JoePa asked Our Lord for forgiveness for any and all wrong doings in his life. I realize this is a very difficult time for his family and I hope they find peace.

[Dysart]

GRTBR

Go ride the big rat?

[DarthVader]

I stand in agreement with you.

[whitedog57]

Keep Jerry Sandusky away from him!

[fhayek]

God realizes that badgers rule.

[Lurker]

Gosh I hope it's not something as painful as say, a 9 year old feels while being shoved up against a wall and anally raped by an adult male. I sure wouldn't want old JoPa (spit) feeling any pain like that.

Nope, not me.

[napscoordinator]

Prayers to the family at this difficult time. I guess the guilt was too much for Joe. All I hope is that he asked forgiveness to God.

[Salvation]

Prayers for Joe Paterno and the Paterno family.

[SueRae]

I actually feel sorry about this. It’s a shame he ignored what was right by those children. His football players were like family and he gave it everything. I didn’t think he would last long without it. Very sad. My prayers for him for forgiveness and for his family in this most difficult of times.

[Aevery_Freeman]

I am so confused. Why was a nine-year old boy in a Penn state locker room?

It sounds as if Paterno reported the incident according to the existing rules and regs.

Really, help me out here. The whole sad thing doesn't make good sense to me.

[bwc2221]

“God realizes that badgers rule.”

But Oregon and Michigan State don’t.

[OrangeHoof]

What a truly sad end to a truly great life. Nobody will know just how much/little he was involved in the Sandusky scandal but he seemed to me like an outstanding individual for so much of his life. To see it end under such a cloud of suspicion is deeply distressing.

[bwc2221]

+ 100

[Lurker]

Why was a nine-year old boy in a Penn state locker room?

He was brought there so he could be sexually assaulted, pardon me, raped by a man Paterno knew to be a pedophile. That's why.

[sand lake bar]

Prayers for a good man. Happy Valley is with you, Joe.

[lightman]

He was brought there so he could be sexually assaulted, pardon me, raped by a man Paterno knew to be a pedophile. That's why

The man created a "Foundation" for the express purpose of recruiting and grooming prepubescent boys who could then be loaned out to wealthy donors to eiither this "Foundation" or to PSU.

[henkster]

When he was fired I told my son he would be dead in six months. To have the coaching taken away from him the way it was, I knew it would kill him.

[Aevery_Freeman]

Sorry, I had no idea this was going on.

It seems there is a larger reason for the terrible tribulations visited upon this man.

I presume you are certain of these allegations. I do not follow college football. It seemed that he was receiving favorable press.