Pa. lawmakers honor Paterno

HARRISBURG, Pa. --

Pennsylvania state lawmakers are remembering the late Joe Paterno, recalling his commitment to students.

State senators and House representatives each held a moment of silence in their chambers Monday and listened to remarks from two Penn State alumni in honor of the legendary football coach.

House Speaker Sam Smith told colleagues that he'll remember the class, dignity and humbleness of a man who turned down the riches of an NFL coaching contract so he could make a difference in the lives of Penn State students.

Sen. Jake Corman called Paterno a coach, educator and humanitarian who took an interest in young people's lives, not just what they could do on the football field.

He said that if people remember Paterno's commitment to excellence, he'll never truly be gone.

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