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.