Joe Paterno Dies at 85

10:30 am, January 22nd, 2012

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(GettyImages.com)

Joe Paterno has died at 85.

Yesterday, there were premature reports of his death.

Today, he sadly passed away.

His family issued the following statement: “He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community,” adding, “He died as he lived. He fought hard until the end.”

The legendary former Penn State football coach, whose 46-year tenure with the school ended last November in disgrace following the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal, was recently diagnosed with lung cancer.

He experienced complications from cancer treatment in the past week.

Paterno won a record 409 games while leading the Nittany Lions, but was forced out when school officials determined he had failed to take appropriate action after hearing allegations that former defensive coordinator Sandusky had sexually abused children.

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