Penn State Notes

On Thursday, Paterno said on his weekly call-in radio show that all three players wouldn't suit up for yesterday's game against Oregon State. Before the game, however, Quarless, a backup tight end, was in uniform and participating in warm-ups.

Asked why Quarless dressed, the coach was flippant.

"How did he look?" Paterno said. "Forget it. I'm not going to answer questions about any of those things."

According to a team source, Quarless - who did not play - has no longer been linked to a police investigation. Police found a small amount of marijuana at the on-campus apartment of Evans, Koroma and Quarless. Cornerback A.J. Wallace is listed as a resident, as well, but was exonerated by Paterno and did play.

The way Paterno has handled the punishments of his players has always been scrutinized, but more so over the last year and a half as the program piled up a number of off-the-field indiscretions.

"I can't react to anything but whatever I think is the best thing for the team," Paterno said.

University president Graham Spanier gave the coach a vote of confidence.

"I support Coach Paterno's disciplinary actions with the members of the football team who not only broke team rules but also violated the expectations that Penn State has for its student athletes," Spanier wrote in an e-mail. "Character and social responsibility are important values at Penn State that we will continue to emphasize. We continue to emphasize to our student athletes the importance of their citizenship and I regret very much behaviors that could cast our program in a negative light."

Paterno said he hadn't spoken with Spanier since the incident.

The players feel that Paterno has taken a lot of unnecessary criticism.

"We'll take the heat," center A.Q. Shipley said. "Coach doesn't deserve it. It's not him."

Hayes injury. Defensive end Jerome Hayes suffered his second torn anterior cruciate ligament in just under one year when the junior blew out his left knee in the fourth quarter. Hayes was chop-blocked by an Oregon State player on punt coverage and was visibly distraught. Last year, he tore his right ACL in October.

"Poor kid," Paterno said. "He's worked so hard to get back."