Into the next decade!

SPORTING GOODS

Give me strength.

Just in time for Joe Paterno's 82nd birthday: a three-year contract extension.

Give or take a year.

A deal was struck with Penn State that will provide "for the opportunity of Coach Joe Paterno leading the football program through the 2011 season," the athletic department said Tuesday in a brief statement.

That means the Hall of Famer and major college football's all-time winningest coach could lead the Nittany Lions into his mid-80s.

I know that it may be difficult to get rid of a coach who's one point (and one inane decision) away from an undefeated season, but this is really getting ridiculous.