Corbett Orders Flags Lowered in Paterno’s Honor, Says Coach Showed ‘Grace and Forebearance’

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett on Monday ordered that flags in the state be flown at half-staff in honor of the late former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, The Associated Press reported.

Per Corbett’s directive, flags should remain in that position until Paterno is buried, according to the AP report.

Earlier, on Sunday, the governor released a written statement upon learning of Paterno’s death. The former coach, 85, died Sunday morning at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

‘Susan and I were saddened to learn of Joe Paterno’s passing,’ Corbett said in his remarks. ‘His legacy as the winningest coach in major college football and his generosity to Penn State as an institution and to his players stand as monuments to his life. As both man and coach, Joe Paterno confronted adversities, both past and present, with grace and forbearance.

‘His place in our state’s history is secure,’ Corbett went on.

As governor, Corbett holds a seat on the Penn State Board of Trustees.

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• Bryce Jordan: Paterno ‘Gave Far More Than Lip Service’ for a Great University (Jan. 22, 2012)

• Tom Bradley: Paterno ‘Was a Coach for Life’ (Jan. 22, 2012)

• Paterno ‘Surrounded by His Family’ at Hospital, MNMC Notes; Candlelight Vigil Planned (Jan. 22, 2012)

• PHOTOS: Mourners Gather at Paterno Statue (Jan. 22, 2012)

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• Penn State Coach Joe Paterno Dies (1926-2012) (Jan. 22, 2012)

• Spanier, Trustees Issue Statements as Penn State Mourns Paterno (Jan. 22, 2012)

• O’Brien Extends ‘Deepest Sympathies’; Delany Shares Condolences upon Paterno Death (Jan. 22, 2012)