Jury selected for the Jerry Sandusky trial concluded yesterday after only two days of questioning. During that process, a list of potential witnesses was shown to the jury pool to vet for any personal connections. Most notably on that list were the names Jay Paterno and Sue Paterno.

Today, a Paterno family spokesperson issued a statement on behalf of the family, as reported by Reuters.

Over the last few days, numerous reporters have inquired about the news that Sue Paterno and Jay Paterno have been listed as possible witnesses in the upcoming trial of Jerry Sandusky. The Paternos had no advance notice of this development and have no idea if they will in fact be called to testify.

The family has also received repeated media requests for interviews. Out of respect for the legal process, it is the family’s strong preference not to comment while the trial is underway. The only directive Joe Paterno gave to his family is that they should pursue the truth, while forcefully defending the honor and integrity of Penn State and the countless thousands of students, faculty, coaches and donors who have worked so hard over the years to build it into a world class institution. This is the course the family has carefully followed during this extraordinary process.

Accordingly, while the trial is underway, the Paterno family will not make any further public comment unless something exceptional and unexpected develops that necessitates a response.