Penn State, its football program and Paterno were thrown into turmoil on Saturday when charges were filed against long-time assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.

Sandusky, 67, is accused of sexually abusing at least eight boys over more than a decade. Two other university officials have been charged with not reporting an incident in 2002 when Sandusky allegedly was seen sexually assaulting a child.

Lawyers for all three men have said they deny the charges and maintain their innocence.

The situation was a tragedy and "one of the great sorrows of my life," Paterno said in his statement earlier.

"With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more," Paterno said of his actions after learning of the allegations about Sandusky in 2002.

Spanier, who was criticized for not speaking out earlier, was contrite.

"There is wisdom in a transition in leadership so that there are no distractions in allowing the university to move forward," he said in a stat