NFL players and coaches have reacted to Penn State sacking legendary coach Joe Paterno in the fall-out of shocking sex abuse allegations.
NFL stars react to sacking of Penn State coach after sex-abuse allegations
Stars from around the NFL have reacted with shock and disbelief after Penn State's legendary coach Joe Paterno was sacked in the fall-out of shocking sex abuse allegations.
Penn State is reeling over allegations targeting Jerry Sandusky, a long-time assistant coach who is charged with molesting eight boys between 1994 and 2009 at his house, in the football team's locker room showers and on team road trips. Sandusky has said he is innocent.
Two school administrators - senior vice president Gary Schultz and athletic director Tim Curley - stepped down over the weekend and have been charged with failing to notify authorities of suspected abuse and with perjury. They deny the charges.
84-year-old Paterno said he would step down at the end of the season, but Penn State will not allow him and he has been sacked.
"I am disappointed with the Board of Trustees' decision, but I have to accept it," said Paterno. "A tragedy occurred, and we all have to have patience to let the legal process proceed. I appreciate the outpouring of support but want to emphasize that everyone should remain calm and please respect the university, its property and all that we value.
"I have been incredibly blessed to spend my entire career working with people I love. I am grateful beyond words to all of the coaches, players and staff who have been a part of this program. And to all of our fans and supporters, my family and I will be forever in your debt."
NFL reaction
Paterno has sent huge numbers of players and coaches to the NFL during his 46-year career at Penn State, with 32 current players in the professional ranks, many of whom have spoken out after the saga erupted.
"I think it's hard not to ruin his legacy," said Arizona Cardinals man Levi Brown. "This is going to be the last thing everybody remembers. I couldn't believe it. Sandusky might have been the fifth or sixth guy I met when I got to Penn State, and to hear that he was capable of something like that, I would never believe it."
Chicago Bears defensive tackle Anthony Adams played at Penn State during Sandusky's time as defensive coordinator, and he was shocked by the allegations emerging.
"When I was there, coach Paterno was a great man. Coach Sandusky, you know, the same," Adams said to the Chicago Tribune. "First-class organization. Nobody joked about (Sandusky) or had anything negative to say about coach Sandusky and 'The Second Mile' program. Everything there was first class."
Seattle Seahawks full-back Michael Robinson was close to tears as he was asked about the situation at his old college.
"It's a sad day to be a Penn Stater," Robinson said, who was upset to see Paterno caught up in it all. "It's just sad how some sick people can tarnish a great man like that.
"I want to express my deep sorrow for the children that are involved. I have three kids myself and I can't imagine what those families are going through today."
Colts coach
To show just how far and wide Paterno's influence reaches, even Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell made a comment, as he was an assistant to Paterno who also worked with Sandusky.
"Well, you know, obviously I've certainly been in prayer for the young people that are involved in this, young men as they are now," Caldwell said. "I certainly feel for them.
"I don't know a whole lot about all of the details, to be honest with you. I haven't read through all the transcripts and things of that nature. I certainly wouldn't comment on that any further."
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Paul Posluszny was an All-American for Penn State in 2005 and 2006 and was upset at the failure to report the alleged assaults.
"We had the opportunity to be right, to solve a problem, to fix something, and we didn't," Posluszny said. "And that hurt."
"This situation is just an unbelievable black eye for the program and it's going to be tough because whenever anybody says Penn State or you see Penn State, sexual assault of young kids is what's going to come mind, and that's such an unfortunate thing."
