Senators backpedal on Medal of Freedom for Paterno

The two senators from Pennsylvania were ready to see Penn. State football coach Joe Paterno get awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom a couple months ago. In light of recent events (child sex abuse by an assistant coach), they've had a change of heart, according to Politico.

Republican Sen. Pat Toomey and Democratic Sen. Bob Casey announced Thursday — less than 24 hours after the legendary football coach was fired following allegations that an assistant coach sexually abused multiple boys — that they were rescinding their support for Paterno’s nomination.

“We hope the proper authorities will move forward with their investigation without delay,” Toomey and Casey said in a joint statement. “Penn State is an important institution in our commonwealth. We should turn our attention to the victims of these atrocious crimes and ensure they get the help they need. Our hearts and prayers go out to them and their families.”