Joe Paterno released a statement minutes ago about his retirement at the end of the season. We're not sure exactly how it was crafted -- with complete, major, minor or zero words from JoePa -- but we'll say however it was constructed, it hit all the right notes. At this point, it isn't about JoePa. At a certain point, though, it will be (for him) about preserving a legacy. We'll never know everything he knew. What we know now is he sounds genuinely affected and sad about all of this. From the statement: "I am absolutely devastated by the developments in this case. I grieve for the children and their families, and I pray for their comfort and relief.
"I have come to work every day for the last 61 years with one clear goal in mind: To serve the best interests of this university and the young men who have been entrusted to my care. I have the same goal today.
"That's why I have decided to announce my retirement effective at the end of this season. At this moment the Board of Trustees should not spend a single minute discussing my status. They have far more important matters to address. I want to make this as easy for them as I possibly can.
"This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.
"My goals now are to keep my commitments to my players and staff and finish the season with dignity and determination. And then I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this University."
Your thoughts, as always, in the comments.
