Nike's Phil Knight Defends Joe Paterno During Memorial Service

Nike co-founder Phil Knight spoke at Joe Paterno's public memorial service on Thursday and defended Paterno's honor, claiming that it was not the former Penn State football coach's response to the Jerry Sandusky situation that was shameful, but the school's own investigation into the matter.

Knight said, "If there is a villain in this tragedy, it lies in that investigation, and not in Joe Paterno's response."

According to the Associated Press, Knight's comment brought the crowd of approximately 12,000 to its feet, including Paterno's widow, Sue, and Tom Bradley, who served as defensive coordinator under Paterno before being elevated to interim head coach once Paterno was fired on Nov. 9, 2011.

Knight said that Paterno has been his hero for a long time and remains so. He also wondered, "Who is the real trustee at Penn State University?"

To see Phil Knight's speech, click here.

For more Penn State coverage and the developing situation surrounding former coach Joe Paterno, visit our team page or our blog Black Shoe Diaries. Also visit Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire and SB Nation Pittsburgh.

VIDEO: Joe Paterno Memorial Service Now Live

The public memorial service for former Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno is currently airing live from the school's basketball arena on ESPN, ESPNU, ESPN3 and the Big Ten Network, among other stations. We also have the video embedded below in case you cannot get to a television.

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Paterno passed away Sunday morning at age 85 after a three-month battle with lung cancer. A number of memorial services have been held in his honor this week around the Penn State campus as thousands celebrate the Penn State legend's life. Paterno set the Division I record for most coaching wins, but was fired this season after his role in the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

For more Penn State coverage and the developing situation surrounding former coach Joe Paterno, visit our team page or our blog Black Shoe Diaries. Also visit Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire and SB Nation Pittsburgh.

Daryll Clark Reflects On The Death Of Former Penn State Coach Joe Paterno

Former Penn St. Nittany Lion quarterback Daryll Clark talked in an interview about the passing of his former coach Joe Paterno, who he said "was like a father to me" (via CSN Philly) and who helped both Clark and "the Clark family."

When Clark heard about the passing of Paterno, he said he was "crushed, really devastated" and "didn't want to believe it".

Clark was at Penn State from 2005-2009. He redshirted in 2005 and did not win the starting quarterback job until 2008. Clark says he was glad that Paterno made him work hard to win the job. Having to earn his spot under center "made me a better player, made me a better person", Clark said. Looking back on his seasons at Penn State, Clark said "I cherish every moment with coach Joe."

To hear the whole interview, visit CSN Philly.

For more on Joe Paterno's death, visit Black Shoe Diaries.

Joe Paterno Funeral Services Announced

Long-time Penn State football coach Joe Paterno will be buried on Wednesday, and his family will hold three public memorial services this week in addition to a private funeral, a family spokesman announced on Monday as reported by the Associated Press.

Paterno passed away Sunday at 85 years old after a battle with lung cancer. The first memorial service scheduled by his family is planned to last 10 hours, beginning Tuesday at 1 p.m. in at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center on the Penn State campus.

Another memorial service will be held Wednesday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and a private funeral will take place at 2 p.m. that day.

Thursday will bring the final service, held at 2 p.m. at the Bryce Jordan Center.

For more Penn State coverage and more on Joe Paterno's death, visit our team page or our blog Black Shoe Diaries.

Big Ten Statement: Conference Reacts To Joe Paterno's Death

The Big Ten Conference released a statement Sunday addressing the death of former Penn State football head coach Joe Paterno, who passed away at the age of 85 after losing a two-month battle with lung cancer.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Joe Paterno," said Big Ten Commissioner James E. Delany. "His passing marks a tremendous loss for Penn State, college football and for countless fans, coaches and student-athletes. Our condolences go out to the Paterno family and to the entire Penn State community."

During his 46 season as the head coach of Penn State, Paterno won three Big Ten titles, including the first ever in 1994 when the Nittany Lions finished 12-0. In the same season that the Nittany Lions capture the conference title ('94, '05 and '08), Paterno won the Big Ten Coach of the Year award.

For more on Paterno's death, visit Black Shoe Diaries.

Bill O'Brien Statement: New Penn State Football Head Coach Addresses Death Of Joe Paterno

Despite needing to get ready for the AFC Championship game, newly hired Penn State football head coach, Bill O'Brien, took time to release a statement that addressed the death of former Nittany Lion head coach Joe Paterno, who passed away at the age of 85 Sunday morning after losing a battle with lung cancer.

"It is with great sadness that I am compelled to deliver this message of condolence and tribute to a great man, husband, father and someone who is more than just a coach, Joe Paterno. First, on behalf of Penn State Football, we offer our sincerest condolences to the Paterno family for their loss. We also offer our condolences to the Penn State community and, in particular, to those who wore the Penn State colors, our Nittany Lion football players and alumni. Today they lost a great man, coach, mentor and, in many cases, a father figure, and we extend our deepest sympathies. The Penn State Football program is one of college football's iconic programs because it was led by an icon in the coaching profession in Joe Paterno. There are no words to express my respect for him as a man and as a coach. To be following in his footsteps at Penn State is an honor. Our families, our football program, our university and all of college football have suffered a great loss, and we will be eternally grateful for Coach Paterno's immeasurable contributions."

Currently, O'Brien is fulfilling his duties as the Offensive Coordinator of the New England Patriots, who host the Baltimore Ravens Sunday afternoon in the AFC Championship game.

Joe Paterno's Family Releases Statement On His Death

Joe Paterno’s family has confirmed the AP report that the legendary Penn State football coach has passed away today at the age of 85. They released the following statement.

"It is with great sadness that we announce that Joe Paterno passed away earlier today. His loss leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled."

"He died as he lived. He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been. His ambitions were far reaching, but he never believed he had to leave this Happy Valley to achieve them. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community."

Paterno is survived by his wife, two sons and of course the legacy he leaves behind at Penn State. He was the winningest coach in major college football history, has donated millions back to the University and is regarded as an icon to Penn State grads.

Last night, student gathered at the Paterno statue outside Beaver Stadium to pay tribute to the coach.

Joe Paterno Dead At 85 After Losing Battle With Lung Cancer, According To Report

Embattled former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno has died at the age of 85, according to a report from the Associated Press. Earlier Saturday night, a spokesman for the Paterno family had indicated that his health was deteriorating. Paterno has been battling lung cancer, and complications with his chemotherapy treatments ultimately led to his death. His family released a brief statement today.

"It is with great sadness that we announce that Joe Paterno passed away earlier today. His loss leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled. He died as he lived. He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been. His ambitions were far reaching, but he never believed he had to leave this Happy Valley to achieve them. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community."

Paterno coached Penn State for 46 seasons before being fired late in the 2011 season, due to the fallout from the child sex abuse scandal involving his longtime defensive coordinator, Jerry Sandusky.

During Paterno's tenure at Penn State, he took the program to unparalleled heights, highlighted by two national championships, five undefeated seasons, and Paterno set the record for most wins by a single coach in Division 1 football history, with 409.

His name has long been synonymous with the Penn State program, and current students and alumni were quick to come to his defense after the University announced he was be fired. Penn State finished off the 2011 season with a 1-3 record under interim coach Tom Bradley, another longtime Paterno assistant.

Bill O'Brien, the current offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, will take over the Penn State program at the conclusion of the Patriots season.

For more on Paterno's death, visit Black Shoe Diaries.

Joe Paterno Remains Serious Condition Sunday

Joe Paterno remains in serious condition at a Pennsylvania hospital today as doctors confirmed that he has taken a turn for the worse.

“Over the last few days Joe Paterno has experienced further health complications,” family spokesman Dan McGinn said. “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.”

The Washington Post is reporting that Paterno is currently connected to a ventilator, but has communicated to his family that he does not wish to be kept alive by artificial means. The family is reportedly debating whether or not to remove him from the ventilator at some point today.

The 85 year old former head coach of the Penn State football program has been in the hospital since January 13th after suffering from complications related to the treatment of lung cancer. It was only a little over two months ago that he was terminated by Penn State in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

Students have been gathering at a statue of Paterno outside the gates of Beaver Stadium paying tribute to the coaching legend.

Joe Paterno Not Dead, Remains In Serious Condition, Family Members Confirm

Despite a report suggesting the contrary, former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno remains alive, although he is in serious condition. His son Scott verified this on his Twitter account, and many others have also reported that Paterno is still alive.

Earlier Saturday night, a spokesman for the Paterno family had indicated that his health was deteriorating. Paterno has been battling lung cancer, and the report of his death suggested complications with chemotherapy took his life.

Paterno coached Penn State for 46 seasons before being fired late in the 2011 season, due to the fallout from the child sex abuse scandal involving his longtime defensive coordinator, Jerry Sandusky.

During Paterno's tenure at Penn State, he took the program to unparalleled heights, highlighted by two national championships, five undefeated seasons, and Paterno set the record for most wins by a single coach in Division 1 football history, with 409.

His name has long been synonymous with the Penn State program, and current students and alumni were quick to come to his defense after the University announced he was be fired. Penn State finished off the 2011 season with a 1-3 record under interim coach Tom Bradley, another longtime Paterno assistant.

Bill O'Brien, the current offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, will take over the Penn State program at the conclusion of the Patriots season.

For more on Paterno's status, visit Black Shoe Diaries.

Joe Paterno Near Death, According To Report

Former Penn State University football coach, Joe Paterno, is near death, according to a report. The 85 year-old Paterno has been suffering from lung cancer.