Former Illinois football coach Ron Zook says he has trouble squaring the Joe Paterno he knew and admired with the one depicted in a report that concludes the late Penn State coach helped cover up allegations of child abuse.

Zook said Thursday from his home in Florida he was shocked by the report. He said it was hard to imagine Paterno covering up the problem, but "obviously he did."

While he worked in the Big Ten, Zook was close to Paterno.

Zook said the two talked about Paterno's unique legacy at Penn State and how there would likely never be another such dynasty. But given how Paterno's place at Penn State played a role in the handling of allegations against former assistant Jerry Sandusky, Zook said that might be good.