If the statue of Paterno, his right index finger raised in a No. "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 now believe that, contrary to is original intention, Coach Paterno's statue has become a source of division and an obstacle to healing in our university and beyond," Erickson said in his 592-word statement. Keeping his name on the library does not entirely disconnect Penn State from Paterno's contributions - from the millions of dollars he donated to his 61-year coaching career to the university's academic life.Įrickson said in recent days he had heard "many differing opinions" about the fate of the Paterno statue and the best way to "memorialize such a revered figure." The statue was built in 2001 in honor of Paterno's record-setting 324th Division I coaching victory and his "contributions to the university."Įrickson's decision to remove the statue but keep the Paterno name on the library appears to be the product of compromise. Paterno's widow, Sue, and two of the Paternos' children visited the statue Friday as students and fans lined up to get their pictures taken with the landmark. The family called the report "the equivalent of an indictment - a charging document written by a prosecutor - and an incomplete and unofficial one at that."Ī Paterno family spokesman told that Penn State has not been in communication with them about the statue's removal. "We believe the only way to help the victims is to uncover the full truth," said the family, which vowed its own investigation following the release of the Freeh report. The Paterno family issued a statement only hours later saying the statue's removal "does not serve the victims of Jerry Sandusky's horrible crimes or help heal the Penn State community." Penn State must also reduce 10 initial and 20 total scholarships each year for a four-year period. ![]() Paterno's career record will reflect these vacated records, the NCAA said. Meanwhile, on Monday, the NCAA hit Penn State with a $60 million sanction, a four-year football postseason ban and a vacation of all wins dating to 1998. The Freeh report concluded their motive was to shield the university and its football program from negative publicity. Freeh found that Paterno, with three other top Penn State administrators, had concealed allegations of child sexual abuse made against former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. The decision came 10 days after a scathing report by former FBI director Louis J. ET Sunday.Īs workers moved the statues, 100 to 150 students watched, some chanting, "We are Penn State." Erickson released his highly sensitive decision to the public at 7 a.m. The work crew then removed the 7-foot, 900-pound bronze statue by forklift and placed it into the lower level of the stadium. Shortly before dawn in State College, Pa., a work crew installed chain-link fences to barricade access to Porter Road outside Beaver Stadium and covered the fence with a blue tarp. ![]() Erickson also said the Paterno name will remain on the university's library. The Joe Paterno statue was removed Sunday morning from its pedestal outside Beaver Stadium, and it will be stored in an unnamed "secure location," Penn State president Rodney Erickson announced.
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