Son: Joe, Sue Paterno ‘Unwavering’ in Penn State Loyalty; Firing Not Handled Well

The removal of Joe Paterno as Penn State football coach was not handled well, his son Scott said in a prepared statement late Thursday, according to The Associated Press.

His remarks came within hours after the university board leadership made a statement on Joe Paterno’s Nov. 9 firing. In that statement, board Chairman Steve Garban and Vice Chairman John Surma said the coach “could not be expected to continue to effectively perform his duties” as extraordinary circumstances enveloped Penn State.

The board moved unanimously concerning his dismissal, Garban and Surma indicated.

Scott Paterno, in his statement Thursday night, underscored that his father’s removal happened “with no notice or hearing.”

“He believes strongly that everyone involved is entitled to due process,” Scott Paterno said in the statement.

“This is a crisis that deserves thoughtful and thorough review,” the Paterno statement reads in part. “In the course of that review and analysis, however, the legitimate achievements of this university and the many good people who worked so hard to build it into a world-class institution should not be disrespected. My parents are unwavering in their loyalty and dedication to Penn State.”

ESPN has posted the full AP report about Scott Paterno’s statement.

Related coverage

• Paterno ‘Could Not Be Expected … to Effectively Perform’ Duties, PSU Board Leaders Say (Jan. 12, 2011)

• StateCollege.com’s earlier and ongoing coverage of the Penn State-charges situation