While the internet had been circulating false rumors of the death of Joe Paterno, it has been confirmed that the former head coach of Penn State is not dead. However, according to reports from CBS news, doctors say that Joe Paterno’s health condition has become serious.
The former head of Penn State Football for decades reportedly experienced complications from lung cancer in recent days leading to the current serious health condition, and the rumors that Joe Paterno had died.
It was not long after Penn State’s Board of Trustees fired Paterno in the wake of the child sex abuse charges against Paterno’s former assistant Jerry Sandusky that he was diagnosed.
In a statement to the press a spokesman for the Paterno family, Dan McGinn, said, “Over the last few days Joe Paterno has experienced further health complications,” McGinn went on to say, “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.”
In an effort to dispel the rumors that Joe Paterno was dead, his two sons Scott and Jay reportedly used Twitter to set the record straight. “I appreciate the support (and) prayers. Joe is continuing to fight,” wrote Jay Paterno.