Photo: Washington Post

UPDATE 2: Joe Paterno's family announced this morning that he has died at the age of 85.

UPDATE: Despite multiple reports to the contrary, family spokesman Dan McGinn says Joe Paterno had not died.

Scott Paterno, Joe's son, tweeted the following: "CBS report is wrong – Dad is alive but in serious condition. We continue to ask for your prayers and privacy during this time."

…

Well, this may be the end of one of the saddest falls from grace in sports history.

This is what Dan McGinn – the recently hired PR man for Joe Paterno – told the AP this evening:

"Over the last few days Joe Paterno has experienced further health complications. His doctors have now characterized his status as serious. His family will have no comment on the situation and asks that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.”

Earlier this evening, OnWardState.com, a student run website at Penn State, reported that Paterno was taken off a respirator.

Michael Sisak of the Citizen’s Voice in Wilkes-Barre reported that Paterno’s family was called to his bedside earlier today.

Sara Ganim of the Patriot News reports that police have blocked off Paterno's street.

Whatever your thoughts on Paterno and his actions, or lack thereof, in the Jerry Sandusky case, it’s hard to deny that the demise (both figurative and literal, it seems) of Joe Paterno has been difficult to watch, and sad.

We’ll have any updates here.