Former longtime Penn State head coach Joe Paterno has been diagnosed with what’s being described as a treatable form of lung cancer.

The diagnosis was made during hospital visit this past Saturday during the game in which Penn State was taking on Nebraska from Happy Valley.

Paterno’s family released a statement asking for privacy while the 84-year old coach goes through treatment…

“Last weekend my father was diagnosed with a treatable form of lung cancer during a follow-up visit for a bronchial illness. He is currently undergoing treatment and his doctors are optimistic that he will make a full recovery. As everyone can appreciate, this is a deeply personal matter for my parents, and we simply ask that his privacy be respected as he proceeds with treatment.”

Paterno was fired last Wednesday November 9th following the announcement of Child Molestation charges to former assistant Jerry Sandusky.

Ref: PennLive.com, AnnArbor.com (image)