Joe Paterno (Creative Commons)

Paterno, a longtime football coach with the most wins in major college football, died of lung cancer complications at age 85 on Sunday.

His fans choose to focus on his legacy in college football rather than the recent child sexual abuse scandal involving Paterno’s assistant Jerry Sandusky. Paterno did not alert police to alleged rampant child abuse.

Sandusky released a statement following Paterno's death.

"This is a sad day! Our family, Dottie and I would like to convey our deepest sympathy to Sue and her family," Sandusky said in a statement. "Nobody will be able to take away the memories we all shared of a great man, his family, and all the wonderful people who were a part of his life."

Sandusky, who is awaiting trial, is facing 52 criminal counts. Prosecutors say he abused 10 children over a period of 15 years. He denies the allegations.

Sandusky's critics say the statement was ill-timed and inappropriate.

Reuters has more.

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