Joe Paterno Statue Will Stay, Says Report

David Joyner stepped down from the Board of Trustees at Penn State University to take over as the school's athletic director following the dismissal of Tim Curley, whom police have charged with covering up a child sexual abuse scandal involving former football assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. In an interview with Reuters, Joyner said he does not plan to remove the statue of legendary coach Joe Paterno from outside Beaver Stadium.

Penn State fired Paterno and university president Graham Spanier last Wednesday in the wake of the scandal; both men knew of allegations against Sandusky in 2002, but failed to notify the police. They have not been charged with a crime, but their questionable conduct prompted the Board to unanimously vote in favor of their dismissal.

Nonetheless, the statue of Paterno, the all-time leader in FBS victories with 409, will remain oustide Beaver Stadium, where it was erected in 2001.

Further, Joyner, who played for Paterno during his collegiate career, said he will not cancel the rest of the Nittany Lions' football season. He explained that decision by saying, "We have a lot of young men that have worked hard." In addition, he noted "the school would not turn down a bowl game invitation."

Via Nittany Roar.