Jerry Sandusky's Statement On Joe Paterno's Death

Read More: joe paterno death, jerry sandusky, Penn St. Nittany Lions

Jerry Sandusky is in the news these days for all of the wrong reasons, but the former Penn State Nittany Lions assistant coach decided to issue a statement on his former head coach following the death of Joe Paterno on Sunday morning.

Sandusky is currently facing 52 criminal charges for the alleged sexual abuse of children -- charges that led to a blowup of the Penn State football program and the ousting of Paterno as head coach after he'd spent the previous 61 years coaching at the school.

Sandusky's statement, as released to the Associated Press, is included below.

"This is a sad day! Our family, Dottie and I would like to convey our deepest sympathy to Sue and her family. 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."

"He maintained a high standard in a very difficult profession. Joe preached toughness, hard work and clean competition. Most importantly, he had the courage to practice what he preached."

For more on Paterno, visit Penn State blog Black Shoe Diaries. For more college football, stay tuned to SB Nation's college football news hub.