Joe Paterno statue comes down

A. Isaac Senior Editor

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The Joe Paterno statue, a symbol of the man’s larger than life status at Penn State University, was taken down early Sunday morning. The process to remove the 900-lb bronze behemoth was largely covered up by blue tarps.

University president Rodney Erickson released this statement ahead of the dethroning:

I now believe that, contrary to its original intention, Coach Paterno’s statue has become a source of division and an obstacle to healing in our University and beyond. For that reason, I have decided that it is in the best interest of our university and public safety to remove the statue and store it in a secure location. I believe that, were it to remain, the statue will be a recurring wound to the multitude of individuals across the nation and beyond who have been the victims of child abuse.

Erickson went on to say that the library, which also bears Paterno’s name, will NOT be taken down as it highlighted the “positive impact” he made on PSU. All in all, the entire statue-removing process was done with respect. A respect Paterno failed to show many victims.

Pic via @centredailycom