Joe Paterno’s Death Leaves Mixed Legacy; Share Your Thoughts

Mount Nittany Medical Center released a statement today that former Penn State Coach Joe Paterno died at 9:25 a.m. of "metastatic small cell carcinoma of the lung."

"It is with great sadness that we announce that Joe Paterno passed away earlier today," stated his family in a statement released earlier in the day. "His loss leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled."

The Huffington Post reported the death earlier today.

“Paterno, a sainted figure at Penn State for almost half a century but scarred forever by the child sex abuse scandal that led to his stunning dismissal, died Sunday at age 85,” The Huffington Post reported.

Paterno’s involvement with the Jerry Sandusky child sex scandal has been well reported, but Paterno also leaves behind a long legacy as one of the nation’s best football coaches. He left Penn State with 409 victories, 37 bowl games and two national championships. More than than 250 of his players moved on to NFL careers.

His death comes less than 24 hours after major media sources erroneously announced Paterno’s death last night. Paterno was diagnosed with lung cancer in mid-November. He was fired from his coaching position on Nov. 9 after school officials said he didn't do enough following Sandusky's actions.

Click here for a timeline on the scandal.

Do you have an opinion of Paterno you’d like to share? Leave it in the comments section.