SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Joe Paterno says reports of his declining health are greatly exaggerated.
The 84-year-old Penn State coach Thursday received the NCAA President’s Gerald R. Ford Award at the NCAA’s annual convention. It recognizes significant leadership for intercollegiate sports.
Paterno, who counted the late Ford among his friends, reiterated his plans to coach next season. It is the final year of a three-year extension signed in 2008.
Paterno says he remains in good health — contrary to occasional rumors on the Internet. He recalled one that spread while working at his desk one morning.
“I was supposed to be in Hershey getting cured for cancer,” he said.
