Former Penn State Coach Joe Paterno Has Been Diagnosed With Lung Cancer

Joe Paterno, the ousted coach of Penn State whose perceived inaction in the Jerry Sandusky investigation cost him his job last week, has been diagnosed with a treatable form of lung cancer, according to a statement issued by his son, Scott.

“As everyone can appreciate,” the statement read, “this is a deeply personal matter for my parents, and we simply ask that his privacy be respected as he proceeds with treatment.”

Paterno, 84, is the all-time winningest coach in Division I football history, with 409 career victories. And the announcement comes at a time when emotions of Penn State fans are on edge. Students rioted after news of Paterno’s firing was made public last week, but many are still grappling with vague details, and wondering what role Paterno did or did not play in the varied investigations of Sandusky.

On CNN, Wolf Blitzer and HLN anchor Mike Galanos had a quick discussion on the sad timing of this news. “I don’t think we can over-exaggerate how significant Joe Paterno’s legacy at Penn State has been,” Bitzer said. “We wish him only the best.”

Watch a clip of Blitzer and Galano discussing the diagnosis below, courtesy of CNN:

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