As reported by our sister site StateCollege.com, sources have stated that Graham Spanier had asked to resign from his position as Penn State President, on his own terms, before his firing last Wednesday night. This information runs contrary to the widely-held reports from national media outlets that Spanier was simply fired. The sources, which were close to Spanier, spoke to StateCollege.com on the condition of anonymity due to severity of the situation.

Already a bizarre situation, Spanier’s firing is even more interesting if he in fact asked to step down, especially given that the now former university president wasn’t facing any charges related to the Jerry Sandusky Scandal and subsequent coverup. Following the Board of Trustees’ announcement, Spanier issued a statement on Penn State Live concerning his departure from the role of university president.

As reported in an article by StateCollege.com’s Adam Smeltz last week, the source close to Old Main said, “Spanier had been facing diminishing support from university trustees.” Among other mistakes , Spanier took part in banning Sandusky from bringing Second Mile Children to Penn State athletic facilities, but is under scrutiny for failing to do so “without any further inquiry on his part,” said Attorney General Linda Kelly.

According to new president Rodney Erickson on Friday, November 11, Spanier remains employed by Penn State as a tenured faculty member.

Check back for updates on Graham Spanier, and the situation regarding his departure from his role as President of Penn State.