Joe Paterno Releases Statement In Sex Abuse Matter

Penn State head coach Joe Paterno released a statement Sunday regarding the sexual abuse charges levied against former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. There are also a series of charges against a vice president of the school, Gary Schultz, and athletic director, Tim Curley

Sandusky is alleged to have abused several minors during his tenure at Penn State. He retired in from the school in 1999, but he continued doing philanthropic work for his own charity, where he met some of his victims.

If convicted, Sandusky could face life in prison. 

Paterno's statement reads, in full: "If true, the nature and amount of charges made are very shocking to me and all Penn Staters. While I did what I was supposed to with the one charge brought to my attention, like anyone else involved I can't help but be deeply saddened these matters are alleged to have occurred.

"Sue and I have devoted our lives to helping young people reach their potential. The fact that someone we thought we knew might have harmed young people to this extent is deeply troubling. If this is true we were all fooled, along with scores of professionals trained in such things, and we grieve for the victims and their families. They are in our prayers.

"As my grand jury testimony stated, I was informed in 2002 by an assistant coach that he had witnessed an incident in the shower of our locker room facility. It was obvious that the witness was distraught over what he saw, but he at no time related to me the very specific actions contained in the Grand Jury report. Regardless, it was clear that the witness saw something inappropriate involving Mr. Sandusky. As Coach Sandusky was retired from our coaching staff at that time, I referred the matter to university administrators.