Penn State: Trustees launch investigation

Penn State’s board of trustees says it will appoint a special committee to examine the “circumstances” that led to a child sex-abuse scandal and possible cover-up involving a former assistant to Hall of Fame coach Joe Paterno.

The furor over the indictments of former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky and two university officials is eroding support among board members for Paterno, college football’s winningest coach, to stay in his job.

In a statement last night, the Penn State board said it was “outraged by the horrifying details” of the Sandusky case. The committee will be appointed at the board’s regular meeting Friday, and will examine what failures occurred and who is responsible.

“We are dedicated to protecting those who are placed in our care,” said the board.