Retired Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, who faces child sex abuse charges in a case that led to the firing of Joe Paterno, says Paterno's death is a sad day.

Sandusky says in a statement that no one did more for the university's academic reputation than Paterno, who died Sunday.

He says the coach "had the courage to practice what he preached" about toughness, hard work and clean competition.

He also expresses sympathy to Paterno's family.

Sandusky is awaiting trial for what prosecutors say was sexual abuse of 10 children over 15 years.

He denies the allegations.

Sandusky was Paterno's top assistant for years until he retired
in 1999.

Sandusky says he remembers Paterno as a great man who met high standards in a difficult job.