(Image Source: The Patriot-News)

BY CHARLES MCKEAGUE

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

The cloud hanging over Penn State is getting a lot darker and more disturbing. It all started November 4th when former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky was indicted on 40 sexual abuse charges. Now, a ninth alleged victim of sexual abuse has come forward - and the New York Times is reporting Penn State is planning an exit for head football coach Joe Paterno.

Hundreds of reporters gathered at Penn State for Paterno’s highly anticipated press conference only to have it abruptly canceled. Here’s the statement from Penn State, courtesy of Tom Rinaldi at ESPN.

“Due to the ongoing legal circumstances centered around the recent allegations and charges, we have determined that today's press conference cannot be held and will not be rescheduled.”

Rinaldi reports Paterno was prepared to make a statement about the incident and answer questions: Questions many say still need answering. Rinaldi goes on to explain the mood around Penn State’s campus.

“Obviously a great emotional reaction to charges of this nature.  But we need to remember these are indictments not convictions. That they are allegations and they are not proven facts, something that can get plowed over in the momentum of such an emotional response. But I think at the core of everything - without question - is sadness. Sadness that children, if this has happened, have been victimized this way.  And then the next step beyond that is the accountability thats got to be questioned.”

That accountability is now centered on Paterno. Paterno allegedly wasn’t a target in the investigation as investigators say he met his “legal obligation”. But since the report went public questions are being asked about Paterno and his moral obligation.  Mike Galanos covering the story for HLN, says Paterno failed -- miserably.

“But from a moral standpoint, with the public opinion point of view, he has failed in the public’s eyes, in the fact that these are serious allegations of a young boy being raped in a -- in an on-campus shower by your former assistant, and you don't go to police. From a moral standpoint, that's what you should have done, [gone to police].”

Paterno has been the head coach at Penn State since 1966. And now, 46 years later, calls for him to step down are more prevalent than ever. A reporter for Fox News says at some point he’ll need to answer some questions.

“It reminds me of some respects of the Watergate era, the Nixon era. Specifically: what did he know? when did he know it? And what did he do or fail to do about it? The sense is very real here that there could have been a lot more. And again the state police commissioner attests to that and most people on the street would as well.”

The New York Times was first to report Paterno’s days at Penn State are numbered, likely in only the single digits.  The paper says its a very sad way to end an amazing career.

“At age 84 and with 46 seasons as the Penn State head coach behind him, Paterno’s extraordinary run of success — one that produced tens of millions of dollars for the school and two national championships, and that established him as one of the nation’s most revered leaders, will end with a stunning and humiliating final chapter.”