The Penn State sex-abuse scandal surrounding former assistant Jerry Sandusky has rocked the sports world, and the effect no doubt has been felt throughout the NFL.
Coach Joe Paterno announced Wednesday that he will retire at the end of the season, and whether or not he is fired before then, the fact remains that the end of an era is inevitable in Happy Valley.
*List compiled by www.gopsf.com
Thirty-two active NFL players learned under Paterno at Penn State. Here are some of their reactions to this developing story, as well as a former assistant who's now an NFL head coach.
Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram
"It's obviously an extremely sad and shocking situation up there. You just pray for all of those children. You pray for the victims. Obviously, you pray for the families, and you hope that justice is done. Then, hopefully, once justice is done, Penn State can move on and be the great university it has been."
Bears defensive tackle Anthony Adams, via the Chicago Tribune
"It's a complete shocker, just like it is for everybody else. I put a lot of pride in my school and the coaching staff that was there. For this to go on is heart-breaking."
Seahawks running back Michael Robinson, via The Seattle Times
"I want to express my deep sorrow for the children that are involved. I have three kids myself, and I can't imagine what those families are going through today and have went through in the past. It's a sad day to be at Penn State."
Colts coach Jim Caldwell, via the Associated Press
"I've certainly been in prayer for the young people that are involved in this, young men as they are now. I certainly feel for them. I don't know a whole lot about all the details. I haven't read through all the transcripts and things of that nature. ... I'm also very close to coach Paterno. It's tough to see his legacy ending in this way."
Giants offensive tackle Kareem McKenzie, via The Star-Ledger
"It's sad for the kids overall. This is not a situation where it was a mistake or anything of that nature. We're talking about young children, who were allegedly taken advantage of. Anytime you involve kids who are innocent or anything of that nature, it's a sad situation for all. It's very sorrowful because you would like to think in today's world, in today's society, that we would like to go ahead and protect our kids and give them the best chances to be successful."
Jaguars linebacker Paul Posluszny, via the Associated Press
"I love Penn State. I went to school there; it was such an important part of my life. It's part of me. I will never say, 'Oh, I regret going there now because of it.' That's just not the case. ... But this situation is just an unbelievable black eye for the program, and it's going to be tough because whenever anybody says Penn State or you see Penn State, sexual assault of young kids is what's going to come mind, and that's such an unfortunate thing."
Seahawks wide receiver Deon Butler, via The Seattle Times
"If you just know the guy, the man that Joe is that I've known over the years -- obviously I know what he stands for and all of that -- he definitely has our full support here. I think everything will work out fine, but he'll do what he sees fit. But he'll never lose the support I think of the former players that he has."
Bears kicker Robbie Gould, via the Chicago Sun-Times
"He's got 409 career wins. Obviously, there's a situation that I know nothing about. It doesn't involve me. So obviously I'm not going to answer any questions involving the situation. But Joe was a great coach when I was there. He's always been a great coach. He'll continue to be a great coach for the rest of the season."
Browns wide receiver Jordan Norwood, via the Associated Press
"I'm feeling a part of it, too. There is no doubt it's tough and unfortunate, more so for the young men and young boys that were involved."
Steelers punter Jeremy Kapinos, via the Associated Press
"Obviously, everybody who's heard about this is disturbed by this. It's gross, and it's a crime where, if it's true, it's the worst of the worst. But, like I've said, I stand behind coach Paterno. He's a guy who has kept players out of games for missing class, so for people to think that he did anything in terms of covering this up, I don't necessarily think that's his M.O."
