Joe Paterno “Near Death”

According to ESPN reports, Joe Paterno is currently in "Serious" condition due to complications resulting from lung cancer treatments.  The former Penn State coach is said to be "Near Death.

Friends and family have reportedly gathered at Mount Nittany Medical Center, having been asked there by the coaching legend so that he could say his final goodbyes.  Paterno has been a patient at the hospital for the past several months, receiving treatment for a case of lung cancer that he announced to the world nine days after being fired by Penn State amid the fallout of the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal.  What was originally diagnosed as a "treatable" form of lung cancer has become increasingly complicated.  The 85 year old winningest coach in Division I history was re-admitted to the hospital just days ago and is now said to be "Deteriorating quickly."

Joe Paterno's son, Jay, took to Twitter Saturday night to refute reports that his father had died.  "Joe is continuing to fight," he said in the tweet, saying later that his father has been "inspired" by the love and support being shown by students.  The family has asked for privacy in this time and there has been little information since, though more will certainly be forthcoming in these precarious days.