updated 1:25 p.m. ET Dec. 28, 2007

SAN ANTONIO - Texas A&M apologized to Penn State after a student leader mocked Joe Paterno by telling a crowd that the 81-year-old coach needs “a casket.”

Paterno and his Penn State team face A&M on Saturday night in the Alamo Bowl.

One A&M yell leader, during a pep rally Thursday night, told the crowd that Paterno was “on his death bed” and “someone needs to find him a casket.” The remarks drew boos from the crowd.

A&M team spokesman Alan Cannon said Friday he did not know the name of the yell leader, though the student has been sent home.

The yell leaders — similar to cheerleaders — are A&M’s official “spirit” organization and lead fans’ cheers during games and other school events. They are elected by the student body.

Paterno, at a news conference Friday at the Alamodome, said he was backstage with Aggies interim coach Gary Darnell when the comments were made, but did not hear them.

“I think everybody has to take things with a grain of salt,” Paterno said. “Some young guy went up there, trying to be funny. Maybe he’s accurate, I don’t know.”

Texas A&M’s interim president, Eddie Davis, and athletic director Bill Byrne later apologized to their Penn State counterparts.

“I honestly didn’t hear it, and I don’t particularly care about it,” Paterno said Friday. “Sticks and stones will break your bones but names will never hurt you.”

Paterno, a 42-year head-coaching veteran, is about to enter the last year of a four-year contract that expires following the 2008 season.

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