Penn State Cancels Joe Paterno Press Conference as Head Coach's Exit Looms

Penn State has just called off a Joe Paterno press conference scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, as the embattled veteran head coach has been the subject of intense scrutiny after allegations his defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky committed sexual abuse against minors.

According to the New York Times Penn State is considering parting ways with Paterno, who has been head coach at the University for 46 seasons. The 84-year-old's tenure may soon come to an end due to his knowledge of Sandusky's actions.

It is clear that the man who has more victories than any other coach at college football's top level and who made Penn State a prestigious national brand will not survive to coach another season, wrote the NY Times.

The allegations of abuse span from 1994 to 2008. Sandusky purportedly sexually abused boys as young as 8-years-old. Some of the victims faced up to 20 violations.

Paterno himself denies knowledge of the explicitness and degree of Sandusky's actions, though he has admitted that Sandusky engaged in inappropriate behavior with minors.

The cancellation of the press conference is yet another curious event in this PSU saga. Paterno said he had no idea why University President Graham Spanier canceled the press conference with Paterno's notice.

Paterno claims that he would have spoken openly to the media about concerns related to the scandal. The press conference was expected to have 150 media representatives an hour before the start.

Even though Paterno said he would have addressed Sandusky, PSU officials had previously denied this as an option.

Media planning to attend Tuesday's Penn State Football weekly teleconference are advised that that primary focus of the teleconference is to answer questions related to Penn State's Senior Day game with Nebraska this Saturday, read the statement released by PSU's Director of Communications Jeff Nelson.

Of course football was not on anyone's mind Nov. 8.

Now, that entire conference has been terminated and many pressing questions remain unanswered.

What exactly did Paterno know, and when did he know about it? What has Peterno's communication been with Sandusky in recent days? Why did Paterno not report the alleged criminal activity of Sandusky to authorities?

Public sentiment has been critical of Penn State's handling of Tuesday's press conference cancellation.

These Penn State cats are running scared. They just canceled their press conference today without any explanation. None needed, tweeted one user.

Clay Travis, a radio personality in Nashville, posted to Twitter: Wow, Penn State canceled the press conference. Cover-up continues. Astounding.

Also on Twitter, Tim Graham of the Buffalo News posted: So Penn State cancels Joe Paterno's news conference. University would rather he be asked these questions after Nebraska game?

The public is stunned that Penn State would continue to make poor decisions in regard to this scandal, including years of cover-ups to today's cowering from public scrutiny.

Press conference, notwithstanding Paterno will eventually have to make a statement addressing the allegations and his possible resignation.

There are obligations we all have to uphold the law. There are then the obligations we all have to do what is right, wrote the editorial board of the Patriot-News, a local newspaper based in Harrisburg.