Support for Joe Paterno rescinded

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HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Along with his job as head football coach at Penn State, Joe Paterno may also lose a shot at the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Pennsylvania's U.S. Sens. Pat Toomey, a Republican, and Bob Casey, a Democrat, said Thursday they are rescinding their support for Paterno's nomination for the nation's highest civilian honor, citing recent events at the school.

Republican Rep. Glenn Thompson also nominated Paterno earlier this year, but wouldn't say Thursday whether he would also withdraw Paterno's name.

The trio submitted Paterno's name in September, citing his contributions to athletics and higher education. Paterno was fired Wednesday amid a child sex abuse-scandal centered around former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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