Joe Paterno Breaks Pelvis in Fall, Hospitalized: Report

Joe Paterno fractured his pelvis after a fall at home, but he will not need surgery, according to a report.

The long-time Penn State coach who was fired last month during the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal will turn 85 later this month. He has been undergoing radiation and chemotherapy for a treatable form of lung cancer, according to his family. His son said he is expected to make a full recovery from lung cancer, and a family member said his latest health problem should also see a full recovery.

Paterno slipped on Saturday, according to a report, and fractured his pelvis. He was admitted to the hospital the next day, a person close to the Paterno family told the Associated Press.

The person spoke with the AP on the condition of anonymity because of sensitivity with the situation, the news agency said.

Paterno had injured his pelvis during Penn State's preseason practices earlier this year, and he had been coaching games from the press box because of the injurie before he was fired near the end of the season. He will remain in the hospital for the pelvis fracture and for cancer treatments for an undetermined amount of time, the AP reported.

The hospital where Paterno is located was not identified in order to maintain the family's privacy.

Paterno is not a target of the Sandusky investigation, yet he has been under fire publicly for how he reportedly handled the situation years before when told by an assistant coach that he had seen Sandusky, a long-time assistant to Paterno, sexually molesting a young boy.

Sandusky has maintained his innocence.

Paterno hasn't made a public appearance since he was fired on Nov. 9. Days after his termination, Paterno was diagnosed with cancer during a doctor visit for another reason.