Paterno injured in collision with player

STATE COLLEGE, Pa., Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Penn State football Coach Joe Paterno injured his right arm and hip during a collision with a player at weekend practice session, the school said Monday.

A statement issued by the Nittany Lions said Paterno, 84, remained hospitalized after being blindsided Sunday by a player running a drill on the practice field.

The coach walked away after the collision and indicated he's OK, the statement said.

"I expect to be back at practice soon. I'm doing fine; tell everyone not to worry about me," Paterno was quoted as saying. "I like the effort I have seen from the squad during our first few practices, but we have a long way to go to get ready for the schedule we have."

No surgery appears necessary, Penn State Director of Athletic Medicine Dr. Wayne Sebastianelli indicated.

Penn State officials said Paterno conducted Monday's coaches meeting via speakerphone from Mount Nittany Medical Center, where tests were being conducted to determine the extent of his injuries.