Penn State plan for moment of silence won't mention Paterno
There are no plans to mention the late Joe Paterno when Penn State holds a moment of silence prior to Saturday's opening game.
Penn State will observe a moment of silence prior to Saturday's season-opening game against Ohio at Beaver Stadium but apparently has no plans to mention the late Joe Paterno.
In a brief statement, the athletic department said, "We plan to allow for a moment of silent reflection for our fans to consider all victims of child sexual abuse and those who have endured suffering and loss."
Saturday will mark the first football game at Beaver Stadium since Paterno's death on Jan. 22.
Paterno, who spent 46 years as head coach and 61 years on the Nittany Lions' staff, was fired Nov. 9 by Penn State's board of trustees, who decided he should have done more in reporting former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky to authorities after hearing of a 2001 allegation of sexual abuse of a boy by Sandusky.
The Freeh Report also cited Paterno for a lack of involvement in the case, resulting in the dismantling of the statue honoring Paterno outside Beaver Stadium on July 22. The next day, NCAA sanctions removed 111 victories from Paterno's record. He had ended his career with the most career wins by a Division I coach.
According to the Associated Press, members of the Paterno family are expected to be in attendance at Saturday's game watching from a suite.
--Joe Juliano