The fate of the Joe Paterno statue was up in the air over the weekend, but Penn State president Rodney Erickson decided on Sunday morning that the statue would be removed from Beaver Stadium. Erickson released a statement on Sunday morning explaining the reasoning for tearing down the statue.
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.
The Paterno statue was originally unveiled in November of 2001 and was supposed to be a symbol doing things correctly and avoiding NCAA violations, the "Grand Experiment" aspect of the Penn State program.
The base of the statue was removed as it was taken away under a tarp and moved inside Beaver Stadium.
UPDATED STORY — Jackhammers chip away at base of #Paterno statue, scene calm as dozens look on: bit.ly/NUKlOq twitter.com/centredailycom…
— Centre Daily Times (@centredailycom) July 22, 2012
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