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Come Fan with UsSunday, June 21, 2026

Joe Paterno’s Death Won’t Change Jerry Sandusky Cases

The death of Penn St. Nittany Lions coach Joe Paterno won't have any real impact on the case against Jerry Sandusky or the multiple ongoing investigations into Penn State's handling of the allegations against him. While Paterno had key testimony to provide regarding what former graduate assistant Mike McQueary allegedly saw Sandusky doing to a young boy, Paterno's seven-minute piece has already been recorded for the court to examine.

Multiple legal experts told the Associated Press that Paterno’s death shouldn’t alter the case or cases in any major way. One said his role in the case has served as a distraction from the heart of the matter -- whether Sandusky did or didn’t abuse children -- though we’re sure he didn’t mean it’s a good thing Paterno’s no longer involved.

Considering his physical weakness in the weeks before his passing, it’s not easy to imagine Paterno being able to devote much time and energy to lengthy court proceedings even if he’d been healthy enough.

For more on Paterno, visit Penn State blog Black Shoe Diaries. For more college football, stay tuned to SB Nation’s college football news hub.

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