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PSU Trustees Ousted Paterno Over Lack Of Action

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Joe Paterno was ousted as Penn State's football coach in part because he didn't meet a moral obligation to do more to alert authorities about a child sex abuse allegation against a retired assistant coach, school trustees say.

Trustees interviewed Thursday by The Associated Press also cited statements from Paterno in the days and hours leading to his dismissal Nov. 9 they felt challenged the Board of Trustees' authority at a time of crisis.

Jerry Sandusky is out on bail and awaiting trial after denying the child sex abuse charges. Paterno testified about a 2002 allegation before a state grand jury investigating Sandusky.

But the trustees say they still intend to honor Paterno's accomplishments and contributions to the school. He won a Division I record 409 games over 46 seasons.

Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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