PENN STATE

Paterno Sought a Juicier Deal

As he learned of Sandusky allegations.

Penn State’s worst year was one of Joe Paterno’s best—at least financially. Over the course of 2011, Jerry Sandusky faced pedophilia scrutiny and his boss, Paterno, testified before the grand jury. But at the same time, he and Penn State’s president were discussing a major payout. Eventually, he agreed to pay Paterno $3 million upon retirement, forgive $350,000 in interest-free loans, and fork over even more generous benefits. The coach was guaranteed use of the university’s private plane and a luxury box at its football stadium; his wife got free use of special massage equipment. Some Penn State board members opposed the payments, but were “quickly shut down,” according to The New York Times.