State College, PA (Sports Network) - The statue of Joe Paterno in front of
Beaver Stadium on the Penn State campus will be removed in another aftershock
of the Freeh Report following the school's investigation into the child sex
abuse scandal against former assistant Jerry Sandusky.
University president Rodney Erickson made the announcement Sunday morning.
"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,"
said Erickson in a statement. "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 also said Paterno's name will remain on the school's library.
More to follow.
The Sports Network