The former Penn State coach Joe Paterno’s condition has become “serious” after he experienced complications from lung cancer in recent days, say his doctors.

Joe Paterno, 85, was diagnosed shortly after Penn State’s Board of Trustees ousted him on November 9 in the aftermath of the child sex abuse charges against former assistant Jerry Sandusky.

Joe Paterno is been getting treatment since, and his health problems were worsened when he broke his pelvis – an injury that first cropped up when he was accidentally hit in pre-season practice last year.

The former Penn State coach Joe Paterno's condition has become “serious” after he experienced complications from lung cancer in recent days, say his doctors

Family spokesman, Dan McGinn, says former Penn State coach Joe Paterno, who has lung cancer, is in serious condition after experiencing health complications.

“Over the last few days Joe Paterno has experienced further health complications,” spokesman Dan McGinn said in a brief statement to the Associated Press.

“His doctors have now characterised his status as serious.

“His family will have no comment on the situation and asks that their privacy be respected during this difficult time,” he said.

Joe Paterno has been in the hospital since January 13 for observation for what his family had called minor complications from his cancer treatments.

According to reports, Joe Paterno was read his last rites at the hospital.