Former Penn State coach Joe Paterno, who is battling lung cancer, is in serious condition after experiencing health complications, according to a family spokesman.

The Citizens' Voice, citing a family member, said Paterno was near death in State College, Pa.

Paterno, 85, has been hospitalized since Jan. 13, under observation for what his family had called minor complications from cancer treatments.

"Over the last few days, Joe Paterno has experienced further health complications," spokesman Dan McGinn said in a brief statement Saturday to The Associated Press. "His doctors have now characterized his status as serious.

The Citizens' Voice, however, said Paterno's wife, Sue, had asked that close friends and longtime staff members, at Peterno's request, come to see him Saturday afternoon for a final time at State College Hospital.

I can only wish he had lived in shame a bit longer for the travesties that happened under his watch. No one will ever convince me that he didn't help sweep the heinous actions of Sandusky under the rug.

I also find it suspect that he was allowed to get all of his affairs in order before the news was broken to the general public.

Sorry, but I won't be shedding a single tear for Joe Pa, all my tears have been reserved for the victims of Sandusky.

He may have literally lived and died Penn State football. You didn't hear anything about him having health problems before all of that mess started there and wham, he may be on his death bed a mere few months after his beloved job was taken away. Hard to say that it didn't have something to do with it.

I feel sad for him.

Not a fan of Penn State, actually of a conference rival, Purdue, but I hope his program doesn't do a nose dive the way his health has, wouldn't be good for anybody.

On dealing with such a crazy incident. Its easy to be a monday day quaterback, meaning everyone complains about people but people complaining never expierienced such a horrific incident. People always like to put down people at expense of others. Please penn state is only university to deal with such a horrific incident in 100 years. I DOUBT IT. i am.sure other schools kept it under rug. Either way i have no view point on penn state fiasco. Just think about kids.

Maybe there is hope for him after all. lol

Gotta go, plane to catch, go niners!!!

Oh year, go Pats too.

Joe Paterno has died at the age of 85 after experiencing serious complications from lung-cancer treatment.

While your argument didn't have much merit to it, you stayed on topic and even made an attempt at coherent discourse. Punctuation aside lol

BTW, both you and Gambler basically said the same thing; you're concerned for the victims. Gambler always takes an aggitated position. Comes from years of debate with MOI! lmao

Just saw the news.  While the scandal that tainted his final months is mainly tragic for the children who were harmed, I must say it's also sad that his career became so stained at the end.  There's no way he can be forgiven for not doing more about it.  It's just a shame.

The truth will come out. Main thing is its sick what happened to kids. Dont persecute until trial is over or until all evidence is revealed. Its like coaching the best coaches are ex football players or famous coaches or successful coaches, no one gives a chance to rookie coaches, the whip is quick.

Rest in Peace Joe Pa.  There will be many detractors surface with the news of his passing, but remember, he said that he was sickened by what had been occuring and although he followed the policy of PSU, he was at a loss of what was discovered. Thoughts and prayers for his family and for the victims of the scandal.

none of them could have carried your black high tops.