Paterno family uncertain about licensing more JoePa merchandise

As holiday shoppers search store shelves and online for remaining memorabilia featuring Penn State’s iconic former football coach, the Paterno family is unsure if they will allow more to be made.

Earlier this month, PSU Public Information Director Lisa Powers told 6News that the university ended it’s partnership with J.V.P. Properties to approve the use and licensing of Joe Paterno’s name, likeness and image on merchandise and memorabilia.

Licensed manufacturers have until mid-March to sell or destroy any Paterno-related products, but retailers are allowed to continue selling their supplies without a deadline.

Paterno’s daughter, Mary Kay Hort, told 6News that she is managing the licensing program for J.V.P. properties and the family is unsure if they will allow more keepsakes to be made.

“It is in my hands, but we really haven’t spent much time talking about that,” said Hort. “We’re sort of focusing. If you look where our priorities are, my priorities are my dad’s health. I think once he’s back on his feet again, we’ll start tackling some of these other issues.”

Hort told 6News that her father, who was overwhelmed with thousands of cards for his 85th birthday this week, was discharged from the hospital and has returned home after falling and fracturing his pelvis for the second time this year.

The legendary football coach is also reportedly responding well to radiation and chemotherapy for lung cancer.