http://www.post-gazette.com/Sounds more like Paterno decided to quit rather then he was fired. See Paterno letter explaining why he is resigning:
From the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:
Here is the full statement Joe Paterno released this morning in announcing that he will retire as Penn State University's football coach at the end of the current season:
"I am absolutely devastated by the developments in this case. I grieve for the children and their families, and I pray for their comfort and relief.
"I have come to work every day for the last 61 years with one clear goal in mind: To serve the best interests of this university and the young men who have been entrusted to my care. I have the same goal today.
"That's why I have decided to announce my retirement effective at the end of this season. At this moment the Board of Trustees should not spend a single minute discussing my status. They have far more important matters to address. I want to make this as easy for them as I possibly can.
"This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.
"My goals now are to keep my commitments to my players and staff and finish the season with dignity and determination. And then I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this university."Read more:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11313/1188579-100.stm#ixzz1dH8RWdNCReport from the Post Gazette, dated 11-9-2011, that Paterno will still be the Coach on Saturday for Penn State's last game this year:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11313/1188557-143.stmPlease note, the announcement of Paterno being fired was filed at 11:23 pm, the above statement was filed 11:17 am this morning. The announcement of Paterno's firing was originally filed about 10:30 pm, then the Post Gazette rewrote the article and released the revised announcement at 11:23 pm.