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Joe Paterno Isn't Dead, Family Upset At Incorrect Reports
By
Jen Chung
Published Jan 21, 2012
Modified Jan 22, 2012
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jan 21, 2012
Modified Jan 22, 2012
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After a CBS Sports college football blog reported that Penn State coaching legend was dead, many believed that the 85-year-old, who is battling lung cancer from a hospital room, had passed. But his family said, actually, no, JoePa is alive. His son Scott Paterno Tweeted, "CBS report is wrong - Dad is alive but in serious condition. We continue to ask for your prayers and privacy during this time."
According to Sara Ganim, reporter for The Patriot News, "Sources close to the Paterno family say that the family is tremendously upset with CBS Sports and other news media who have erroneously reported Paterno's passing. As the family has gathered by the legendary coach's side in Mount Nittany Medical Center, the 85-year old coach is still conscious and able to communicate, sources said. An earlier report that Paterno had been taken off breathing support by the family is also completely false, sources said."
The AP says that Paterno's condition is "serious." Paterno was fired in November, in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky sex scandal.
Update, Sunday, January 22: Paterno died this morning; his family released a statement, "He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been."
Tagged
death watch
jerry sandusky
joe paterno
media
penn state
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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