'Casket' Comment Draws Apology

Yell leader's reference to Penn State coach Joe Paterno draws apology

Dec. 28, 2007

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (Ticker) - Texas A&M officials are angry over a yell leader's reference to Penn State coach Joe Paterno needing a "casket." According to the Dallas Morning News, Texas A&M interim president Eddie Davis and athletic director Bill Byrne apologized to Penn State for the comments.

According to the newspaper, the yell leader took the stage during a pep rally, grabbed a microphone and said, "Joe Paterno's on his death bed. And someone needs to find him a casket." Paterno, who is in his 42nd season as the Nittany Lions' coach, turned 81 last week.

Penn State faces Texas A&M in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday.