Crime

Penn State Removes Iconic Paterno Statue

Penn State to Remove Paterno Statue

(AP) — Penn State University will remove the famed statue of Joe Paterno outside its football stadium, eliminating a key piece of the iconography surrounding the once-sainted football coach accused of burying child sex abuse allegations against a retired assistant.

The university said Sunday that it will take down the larger-than-life monument in the face of an investigative report by former FBI Director Louis Freeh that found the late coach, along with three top Penn State administrators, concealed the abuse claims against Jerry Sandusky more than a decade ago in order to shield the university and its football program from negative publicity.

A spokeswoman for the Paterno family did not immediately return phone and email messages Sunday morning.

Construction vehicles and police arrived shortly after dawn Sunday, barricading the street and sidewalks near the statue, erecting a chain-link fence then concealing the statue with a blue tarp.

A live video feed posted on the website of the Centre Daily Times of State College showed workers in white hard hats draping a plastic sheet over the statue, preparing for its removal.

Penn State President Rod Erickson said he decided to have the statue removed and put into storage because it “has become a source of division and an obstacle to healing.”

“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 said in a statement released at 7 a.m. Sunday.

He said Paterno’s name will remain on the campus library because it “symbolizes the substantial and lasting contributions to the academic life and educational excellence that the Paterno family has made to Penn State University.”

The bronze sculpture outside Beaver Stadium has been a rallying point for students and alumni outraged over Paterno‘s firing four days after Sandusky’s Nov. 5 arrest – and grief-stricken over the Hall of Fame coach’s Jan. 22 death at age 85.

But it turned into a target for critics after the Freeh report’s stunning allegation of a cover-up by Paterno, ousted President Graham Spanier and two Penn State officials, Athletic Director Tim Curley and Vice President Gary Schultz. Their failure to report Sandusky to child-welfare authorities in 2001 allowed him to continue molesting boys, the report found.

Paterno’s family, along with attorneys for Spanier, Curley and Schultz, vehemently deny any suggestion they protected a pedophile. Curley and Schultz await trial on charges of failing to report child abuse and lying to a grand jury but maintain their innocence. Spanier hasn’t been charged. Sandusky was convicted last month of 45 counts of sexual abuse of 10 boys.

Some newspaper columnists and former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden have said the statue should be taken down, while a small plane pulled a banner over State College reading, “Take the statue down or we will.”

But Paterno still has plenty of fans, and Penn State‘s decision to remove the monument won’t sit well with them. One student even vowed to “chain myself to that statue” if there was an attempt to remove it.

University officials had called the issue a sensitive one in light of Paterno’s enormous contributions to the school over a 61-year coaching career. The Paterno family is well-known in the community for philanthropic efforts, including the millions of dollars they’ve donated to the university to help build a library and fund endowments and scholarships.

The statue, nearly 7 feet tall and weighing more than 900 pounds, was built in 2001 in honor of Paterno’s record-setting 324th Division 1 coaching victory and his “contributions to the university.”

UPDATE 10:25 A.M. EST

Workers hired by Penn State University lifted the 7-foot-tall, 900-pound statue of former Head Football Coach Joe Paterno off its base and used a forklift to move it into Beaver Stadium Sunday morning as the 100 to 150 students watching chanted, “We are Penn State.”

Comments (136)

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  • h20sue
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:48am

    I find this devastating for JoPa’s family. For those families who suffered for Sandusky’s uncontrolled bad habits, taking it out on a man who has passed and cannot defend himself is disgusting. JoPa didn’t speak because he was pulled in so many directions. He brought Penn State much happiness during his life, so keeping quiet cost his family such humility. I don’t believe removing his statue will help the situation. I think making sure the culprit (Sandusky) pays is what’s most important. Dead men can’t defend themselves….

    Report Post »  
    • huskered
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:59am

      That dead man allowed children to continue to get raped. He is/was a very bad man.

      Report Post »  
    • LICENSEDTOCARRY
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 12:27pm

      Devastating to JP’s family? Isn’t that just too bad. How devastated do you think the victims are while this POS went out of his way to protect his pedophile friend.

      Report Post »  
    • Back To Reality
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 12:47pm

      Removing a devisive inanimate object is not “taking it out” on JP. If his actions were so great, they can stand on their own without a hunk of metal strategically placed somewhere.

      Everyone talks about the money he gave the university; money is not exonerating, and the money was given to him by the university in the first place…in good faith that he would run an ethical football program. He failed.

      Leaving the statue solves nothing.

      So here’s the solution; offer to donate it to the College Football Hall of Fame in Indianapolis; if they say they wouldn’t be willing to display it, then you know it’s a bad idea to display it on campus. The best alternative would then be to post it as his grave where his fans can see it.

      But don’t leave it on campus where alumnus like myself would consider it an eyesore.

      Report Post » Back To Reality  
    • FreedomPurveyor
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 12:48pm

      So nice to have people with such intimate knowledge of the situation commenting here.

      Have you ever considered that maybe Paterno simply couldn’t believe the allegations? If someone comes to you and tells you a close, trusted friend of yours is raping kids, and you don’t believe it and dismiss it as rubbish, is it your fault that more kids get raped?

      Report Post » FreedomPurveyor  
    • Gumbercules
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 1:03pm

      @FreedomPurveyor

      It absolutely would be your fault! All allegations should be taken seriously. If your daughter came to you and said “Daddy, somebody touched me”, would you just laugh at her and not take it seriously? Based on your comments of not believing ‘ludicrous’ statements, you probably would.

      Report Post » Gumbercules  
    • Pilgrimsarbour
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 1:09pm

      Sandusky’s “bad habits?” Are you effing kidding me?

      Report Post » Pilgrimsarbour  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 1:17pm

      I agree! I think JoPa who was about 70 +/- had anyinvolvement in this! He was focused on FOOTBALL! Blame others that were supposed to handle stuff like this not the head coach! There are dozens of coaches and trainers that are there to handle this stuff and I am sure are told to not get the head coach involved! We need to focus on Sandusky not others because it was his actions alone!

      Report Post »  
    • Master.Debater
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 1:32pm

      This activity went on in his organization for many years in spite of the fact that it was widely rumored in the community. If the (lame) excuse is that he was focused on football and wasn’t aware, maybe he should have been less focused on football and more focused on protecting the innocent and basic human decency.

      Report Post » Master.Debater  
    • db321
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 1:36pm

      H2O Sue – why are you having a hard time with this. If you help a Bank Robber plan a heist – you are a Bank Robber, even if you don’t participate in the actual robbery. God warned me when I read the Bible, what does it profit a man, to gain the world only to lose his sole! Joe sure gained the World – at what cost to those boys and his eternal life.

      I would have turned this creep in even if it meant that I would spend the rest of my life never coaching again. People with high Moral values have no problem doing the right thing. Joe got everything he asked for by his decision to turn a blind eye.

      God will judge Joe as a Pedophile, just as if he had committed the crime himself. The abuse those boy endured is a direct result of the Joe’s failed actions – and for what – a win? Shameful!

      Report Post » db321  
    • tzion
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 2:01pm

      The allegations were credible enough to warrant police investigation. Paterno was the one who put his foot down on that and he must bear the responsibility.

      Report Post »  
    • FreedomPurveyor
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 3:17pm

      “If your daughter came to you and said “Daddy, somebody touched me”, would you just laugh at her and not take it seriously?”

      That isn’t the situation. We’re talking about someone who you do not necessarily trust telling you that someone who you do is touching children. You would at least want to check with your trusted friend, who of course would deny it. Do you then have your friend arrested on hearsay, with absolutely no actual evidence presented to you?

      “If you help a Bank Robber plan a heist – you are a Bank Robber, even if you don’t participate in the actual robbery.”

      Are you suggesting that Paterno actually helped “plan” the molestation of children?

      A more apt analogy would be hearing from someone that they saw your friend robbing a bank. In that situation, is it then suddenly your responsibility to seek justice? Are you somehow responsible for the bank robbery?

      Report Post » FreedomPurveyor  
    • PA PATRIOT
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 3:26pm

      Freedom
      Are you serious?
      Joe had the authority to put a halt to all of Sandusky’s slimey thoughts and actions,
      He did nothing.

      See the PSU Freeh Report Page 13 tells it all

      http://www.thefreehreportonpsu.com/REPORT_FINAL_071212.pdf

      Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
    • Back To Reality
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 3:49pm

      @FreedomPurveyor, if JP didn’t believe it, he had many opportunities to say “I didn’t believe it,” therefore it’s not a defense. And if you allege that JP did not “trust” the person (McQueary) who told him that Sandusky was hurting children, then it seems odd that JP would turn around and give him a coaching job.

      This is also not about whether JP had the responsibility to “seek justice,” but that he had to make sure he didn’t stand in the way of justice.

      @jhaydeng, JP’s age is not a defense, nor is some mythical re-assignment of responsibility. If JP creates the conditions where he holds financial power over others like the President and the VP’s, then he doesn’t enjoy the benefit of just passing the buck on an issue like CHILD MOLESTATION.

      Report Post » Back To Reality  
    • christos
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 4:22pm

      H20SUE – Your post is ridiculous,you must be an Evil Troll,think about what your saying “it’s ok to let kids be molested at all cost keep it covered up to protect what a person? a school? an Image?” you are as Evil as the perpetrator,you need +JESUS+GOD+ in your life because you do not have one.

      Report Post » christos  
    • konamears
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 7:33pm

      As an alumni, I am outraged the way Paterno was fired and now defamed by some. He contributed enormously to PSU, and always upheld the utmost of values among his players. He demanded high sportsmanship qualities and academic excellence from his team, even if it contributed to losing a game. He reported Sandusky‘s horrendous actions to higher authorities and walked out of Sandusky’s retirement party years ago in disgust. He then went back to doing what his job demanded, being one of the most honorable and best coach’s in college football. It was up to the higher authorities and trustees to prosecute Sandusky, not Paterno. Someone should write a book “Killing Paterno”.

      Report Post »  
    • Hoax And Chains
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 7:55pm

      Nice… Paterno is known for a fact to have kept silent about child rape and you defend him? Moron.

      Report Post »  
    • hialtitude
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 8:38pm

      “Uncontrolled bad habits”???? Is that what you’re calling it? No wonder this country is in such deep trouble. Good grief.

      Report Post »  
    • Deadbang
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 9:31pm

      No Mike McQuery let children continue to be molested he was an EYE WITNESS. Although more could have been done by Joe Paterno he did not witness the actions of this monster as did McQuery. Why is the eyewitness not being taken to task? He is the most vile of them all, if he calls the police right then as he should have maybe they catch Sandusky in the act and it‘s over worst case senerio he calls the police tells him what he saw and it’s still over. Paterno is told by McQuery days later and then does his job, reports to the A.D. that Mike McQuery says he saw what he saw. Ther is a reason hearsay is inadmissable in a court of law.

      Report Post » Deadbang  
    • SolitudeBliss
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:41pm

      Uncontrolled bad habit????? Are you *bleeping* kidding me? I can say with certainty you have absolutely never witnessed or suffered abuse. It’s not a bad habit, it’s RAPE !!!!!!! You BLEEPING MORON

      Report Post »  
    • Tired of Code Names
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:02pm

      I don’t understand the liberal hypocracy. Mr. Sandusky was just living his liberal given right to conduct himself in a what the lib’s call out “a life style”. We now have to tolerate most every agregious lifestyle thanks to the libs. The only reason they are so upset now is for political gain. I find that more repugnant than their lifestyle or their politics. I’m guessing that the creator they so adimantly deny thinks so as well.

      Report Post »  
    • Servant Of YHVH
      Posted on July 23, 2012 at 4:30am

      @huskered
      “That dead man allowed children to continue to get raped. He is/was a very bad man.”
      So are you saying that you were there and thereby you KNOW for a fact that he knew anything? Perhaps we should be asking you why you kept it quiet and “allowed children to continue to get raped”. Does that mean that you are/was a very bad man (or woman)? Otherwise perhaps you like so many others should keep your mouths shut unless you know for sure. Like the old saying goes: “It is better to keep your mouth shut and have people think that you are a fool, rather than open your mouth and prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are a fool”! (I did add a couple of words in it but it still has the same meaning. Why should someone try to prove themselves a fool by running their mouths on something that they don’t know for sure just so that they can try to make themselves look wise (NOT)!

      Report Post » Servant Of YHVH  
    • SoNick
      Posted on July 23, 2012 at 4:01pm

      @Tired of Code Names
      If it rains, it‘s the liberals’ fault. If there’s a drought, it‘s the lib’s fault. Tired old boilerplate conservative talking points. You have liberal Tourette’s or something?

      Report Post »  
  • Chet Hempstead
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:43am

    It must seem funny to college administrators in other countries when they read that a football coach gave the college 4 million dollars to build a library. Someone who isn’t familiar with the intricacies of how we fund institutes of higher education in America might even conceive the quaint and erroneous notion that it would make more sense for a school to spend less on football coaches and pay for their library with the money they save.

    Report Post »  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 12:11pm

      Quit making sense. You’re going to scare the stupid.

      Report Post »  
    • JACKTHETOAD
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 7:47pm

      It’s not over yet. Personally, I’d like to see JoePa vindicated, the statue put up in a prominent location on the campus and Beaver Stadium torn down. :)=

      Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
    • jwt
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 9:57pm

      We do not need another icon to worship

      Report Post »  
    • JACKTHETOAD
      Posted on July 23, 2012 at 6:10am

      Since when is the truth an icon?

      Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
  • ginger100
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:28am

    Isn’t this govt promoting gay behavior and life styles?

    Report Post » ginger100  
    • MODEL82A1
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:41am

      GINGER, Are you saying there would not have been a cover-up had the victims been little girls?

      Report Post » MODEL82A1  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 12:12pm

      MODEL82A1, my answer to your inquiry would be, yes.

      Report Post »  
    • ginger100
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 12:16pm

      @model 82a1, Not saying that at all.

      Report Post » ginger100  
    • MODEL82A1
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 12:24pm

      JKERK, that’s an interesting theory.

      Report Post » MODEL82A1  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 12:29pm

      No, the facts say that it is true. There is a double standard. Just look at child rapes when the victims are boys. Teachers walk all the time.

      Report Post »  
    • ginger100
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 12:59pm

      @thejerk @model82a1 lets start a petition to erase George Washington, remove his face from Mount Rushmore chop down the Washington Monument. Damned slave owners!

      Report Post » ginger100  
    • MODEL82A1
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 1:14pm

      GINGER, what is God’s name are you talking about? I asked a simple, honest question and you gave me simple, honest answer. Why the ridiculous attack? Because JERK disagrees with you?

      Report Post » MODEL82A1  
    • ginger100
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 1:31pm

      @model82a1 it wasn’t an attack but it was ridiculous. If leftist can attack a dead man, why end with Paterno? When I hear Penn State I will always think of Jerry Sandusky. They should level the whole school.

      Report Post » ginger100  
  • babs1904
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:28am

    one more thing… I keep reminding myself of congress, drunk with power and full of men, for 300years, full of men… have we allowed men to lead us down a rotten path of probable no-return? My idea is as humans, men being physically stronger have been allowed to become bullies for centuries of time; doesnt matter if they have any sense. Look at the Muslim world. I grew up w 5 brothers and stood right up with them with whatever they did; they got the advantages in life (thru the 50s&60s) and i never gave it another thought because i made my own way, i just thought that was the way it was…

    Report Post »  
  • merd01
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:19am

    Okay, I’m getting REALLY sick and tired of hearing self-righteous Monday-morning quarterbackers around the world thinking they “know” what really happened, and that JoePa should be hung out to dry, just like Sandusky. I spent more than 30 years of my life in Pennsylvania. I’ve heard the drunken cheers of “We Are . . . Penn State!” more times than I care to admit. Penn State has been on the top 10 list of party schools for as long as I can remember. Despite all of the above, I have always had a grudging respect for Coach Joe Paterno. He was a GOOD MAN.

    In this particular case, Coach DID what he was supposed to do–he reported Sandusky’s actions to the appropriate authorities. It was NOT Coach’s responsibility to find the tallest building in State College, get up on the roof, jump up and down and scream, “Hey! We got a pedophile on campus!“ Heard of the term ”slander,” gang? And, really, is there an easier target than a dead man to pin all the hurt and anger on?

    There is quite a lot of hurt and anger that goes along with these kinds of cases–as there SHOULD be. Children WERE hurt, and ARE STILL hurting. Can we PLEASE focus on THEM, and NOT someone who is being used as a scapegoat–probably because the perpetrator has not, and probably will NEVER accept responsibility for his actions?

    Report Post » merd01  
    • PA PATRIOT
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:28am

      It is not about what he did..

      It is what he DID NOT do. Honor

      CaPS Are NoT jUSt foR yOU!

      Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
    • merd01
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:38am

      Pa:

      i never said, implied, etc. that caps are just for me. i used them to show EMOTION, just like anyone else is free to. America is still a free country, isn’t it? i haven’t heard that obama has taken away our right to have feelings . . . or did i miss a memo?

      Report Post » merd01  
    • PA PATRIOT
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 12:03pm

      No you did not miss a memo.
      I was just being pesty.
      Do you miss HV?

      Did you read the Freeh report?

      http://www.thefreehreportonpsu.com/REPORT_FINAL_071212.pdf

      Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
    • justangry
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 12:19pm

      Oh then you’re probably going to get upset by the NCAA “unprecendent” list of charges coming down on Monday.

      http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8188629/penn-state-nittany-lions-not-facing-death-penalty-monday-ncaa-source-says

      Report Post » justangry  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 12:25pm

      @ MERDO1. DISAGREE. Joe P should have 1) FIRED Sandusky and/or 2) had him arrested the instant he heard this story and could prove it, until proof, put him on administrative leave. For anyone (any Parent, Adult, Educator) to think they were ‘off the hook’ just because they told the guy higher up the line is ridiculous. He lost his ‘right’ to be revered when he didn’t stop Sandusky. THAT was his responsibility. We‘re talking years here that this monster got to mutilate kid’s psyches.
      Tough.

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • SolitudeBliss
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 6:28pm

      Hypothetical: You were told by a co-worker that female A was raped by Mr. B. What do you do? Do you tell your supervisor? Do you check on Ms. A? Do you call the cops?
      – - OR –
      DO YOU KEEP WORKING WITH THE RAPIST??? Do you keep eating lunch and dinners with Mr. B? Do you go on golf outings and other social gatherings with your families?

      Paterno still socialized and hung out with this Rapist (please call him what he is, *bleep* molester). It turns my stomach.

      Report Post »  
  • babs1904
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:16am

    Joepa deserves what he gets. Drunk with power someone has mentioned, simply put. Who do these guys think they are? I cant imagine a young boy having to come forward against a coach or a priest, which is worse, or more powerful? makes no diff, they are each men with sick tendencies, but for a tormented child to expose horrific experiences brought on by a pig, how could he? My heart goes out to these children, and the young men who finally were brave enough to step forward. PennSt should eliminate the football program altogether and let that be a reminder for the pigs out there with similar power issues over children. Then who has the power?

    Report Post »  
  • Guitar Master
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:04am

    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
    From THE REPORTER
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

    Funny how the simple act of removing that slug’s statue, in the warped unrepentant minds of the Penn State staff, should be enough to pacify angry fans. Where are they putting the statue? Do they plan on reviving it at some later date?

    Those hypocrites at Penn State should have dismantled the statue for the landfill where it rightfully belongs.

    If those at Penn State were sincerely sorry they should have removed Paterno’s name, this sick enabler, from the building that was named in his honor.

    There’s no remorse here, they only want to save as much face and as many fans as possible !

    Report Post »  
  • PA PATRIOT
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:55am

    Page 13 FINDINGS”
    http://www.thefreehreportonpsu.com/REPORT_FINAL_071212.pdf

    “The most saddening findings by the Special Investigative Counsel is the total and consistent disregard by the most senior leaders at Penn State for the safety and welfare of Sandusky’s child victims. As the Grand Jury similarly noted in its presentment there was no “attempt to investigate, to identify Victim 2 or to protect that child or any others from similar conduct except as related to preventing its re-occurrence on the University property.

    Four of the most powerful people at the Pennsylvanian State University, President Graham B. Spanier, Senior Vice President-Finance and Business Gary C. Schultz, Athletic Director Timothy M. Curley and Head Football Coach Joseph V. Paterno failed to protect against a child sexual predator harming children for over a decade.”

    Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
    • Deadbang
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 9:41pm

      Like I said before and I will say it again. The report does not say that Paterno knew anything more than what Mike McQuery told him. I don’t understand why everyone looks past this eye witness. All he had to do is notify the police right then and there. Paterno could have done more but to say he was covering up for Sandusky is quite a stretch. He just did what he was supposed to do report to his boss, just as Mike McQuery did in reporting to his. In my eys it‘s McQuery’s fault more than anyone else his moral duty as a man was to beat SAndusky into unconciousness and call the cops. The Freeh report does not say Paterno knew anymore than what McQuery told him.

      Report Post » Deadbang  
    • sscomment
      Posted on July 23, 2012 at 10:16am

      I have no loyalty to PennState, my school was UM, ’nuff said. I have to agree w/ DEADBANG. First, Sandusky retired in ‘99 and was no longer a coach under Paterno. Second, it was others in the University who allowed Sandusky further access to the facilities. Paterno appears to have had no say and was kept misinformed. These are facts in the report that some think point the finger at Paterno, when they in fact, may exonerate him. Yes, Paterno has said in hind sight that he probably should have called the police himself. However, I suspect that conclusion was drawn only after he realized that those running the university did nothing themselves. He made the mistake of trusting the systems in place, but is that really a mistake?

      For all these people who keep insisting that he should have fired Sandusky, well, when? He retired when the first allegations came out.

      Why is there no blame for those who personally witnessed these attacks? Why didn’t the janitors call the police? Why didn’t McQuery call the police. They ALL witnessed what was an illegal act taking place. Especially McQuery, why is there no outrage at him, other than he was not “THE” iconic figure at the university.

      In my view, by taking down the statue, it is continued action by the university officials to hang this on Paterno, when it was in fact there were numerous university officials and POLICE officials who didn’t follow up properly. As a result, the DA had nothing to charge Sandusky with.

      Report Post »  
  • overthecliff
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:42am

    Take down the statue ok. Stop idolizing paterno ok. Punish PennState so it looks like we are doing something about the crime-NO. Penn State didn`t perpitrate a crime or cover it up. Men did that and should be hed accountable. They should be punished to the full extent of the law. Punishing an institution for child abuse is like punishing a gun for murder.

    Find who covered up the crimes against children and send them to prison, where they can enjoy the delights of rape.

    Report Post »  
  • SolitudeBliss
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:31am

    To those who say Penn State is overreacting by taking down the statue or those who think Paterno is being vilified too much let me just say You are WRONG!!! Paterno knew and still chose to work and socialize with this child rapist. The SILENCE and the Coverup were the worst crimes of all for it allowed the abuse to continue. If young children can have the courage to speak up about what either happened to them or one of their siblings or friends then adults like Paterno have no excuse and are cowards. Shame shame shame…

    Report Post »  
  • Dandylyon
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:29am

    When is the real story going to come out, when are all the pedo’s at Penn State going to be outed??

    Report Post »  
  • GoMomGo
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:29am

    This is such a devastating situation, but I am glad to see Penn State making a move that shows good principals and morals.

    Report Post » GoMomGo  
  • uncleherbert
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:22am

    To not speak, is to speak. Joe has spoken!

    Report Post » uncleherbert  
  • sWampy
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:20am

    Burry one of the reminders, don’t solve the problem, not good.

    Report Post »  
  • critterbait
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:18am

    This will never end if they dont take steps and do the right thing. Lives have been destoryed over this because of the number of years it has been coverd up, it allowed for even more corruption to take place… Joepa said he wished he would have done more, but wishing doesnt make it so… He was a man of influence and would have gained more respect if he would have taken a stand long ago…
    So good by Joe, but you gota go…. And so do many others who knew and DID NOTHING …..

    Report Post »  
  • shogun459
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:13am

    It could be argued that Sandusky was mentaly ill, a victum of a long ago abuser himself, but Joe was not, he wasn’t a “Chester” but he covered it up and allowed it to continue.
    That’s just Evil.

    Report Post » shogun459  
  • TROONORTH
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:02am

    His record will always stand but his bronze likeness should not. The man was, by association, as guilty of raping little boys as the perv who actually did it. It is one thing to revere his record. It is quite another to revere the man. Remember what happened to the Israelites who worshiped false idols.

    Report Post » TROONORTH  
  • PRESENTSOFMIND
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 9:55am

    what are the pigeons gonna take a dump on now?

    Report Post » PRESENTSOFMIND  
  • jackact
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 9:07am

    I am not a football fan, like millions of others in our nation.
    But I do not see how removing this statue helps heal the sexual victims of Sandusky.
    Penn State will suffer the consequence of their silence.
    And that is the lesson.

    Report Post »  
    • shogun459
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:18am

      Prehaps, but this Monument to a man revealed as being this evil Must come down. And yes the taint will stick to Penn State and it should. The harsher we deal with this the less likely it will be for coverups in the future, for fear of what will happen if it gets out.

      How many parents now wonder if the Ivy league school they sent thier child to, molested thier bodies as well as thier minds.

      Report Post » shogun459  
    • Halloween
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:19am

      The statute was put up to honor the guy for his greatness. Are you saying that pedophilia is great and should be celebrated? Should we leave statutes of Hitler standing?

      Report Post » Halloween  
  • PA PATRIOT
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 8:57am

    It is going to get much worse.
    Many heads will roll.
    Millions of dollars will be lost and a community will be punished for one mans perverse actions.
    the statue should be melted into coins which should be sold to help victims of child abuse
    The situation is going to get much worse

    Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
    • BrerRabbit
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 9:09am

      I like the idea of melting it.

      Report Post »  
    • historyguy48
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:02am

      Comrade perhaps you people should stop this silly over reaction to the insane mass media types. While I am certainly no fan of Penn State Football, this man did a tremendous job of building tens of thousands of useful young men into useful men throughout his years of coaching.
      What is being done here is nonsense, Joe Paterno certainly deserves better!
      “Let he who is blameless cast the first stone”.

      Report Post » historyguy48  
    • shogun459
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:22am

      I would have to wonder at the motives of one that would want to own such a coin. But I would donate to a fundraiser to melt it down and drop the ingots in the ocean.

      Report Post » shogun459  
    • PA PATRIOT
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:31am

      History
      True , Joe did have many accomplishments during his life
      However, yet tell one lie, and you are a liar,
      and yes…,abuse one child and you are a molester
      Hide one Jerry Sandusky and you are a disgrace to society,
      JOE was DRUNK with power.
      A man of his character, (or lack thereof) should have exposed the truth
      He knew what was happening THE whole time!
      Would society let you go if you did the same?

      Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
    • PA PATRIOT
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:34am

      ShoGun
      Believe me PSU fans would want to help.
      After all,
      Joe is the reason the sky is blue and the clouds are white.
      Didn’t you know that?

      Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
    • Girard1974
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 2:14pm

      @historyguy48 wrote, “While I am certainly no fan of Penn State Football, this man did a tremendous job of building tens of thousands of useful young men into useful men throughout his years of coaching.”

      Had Joe Paterno done the right thing at the right time his “tremendous job” as described above would indeed be his legacy. But for turning his back on just one innocent young boy, he will be forever remembered because of the thing he did not do.

      It’s funny how things work out. As a former Pennsylvanian who visited Penn State as a high school sophomore in 1972 when Paterno was a rising star, I always believed that he would be the face of that esteemed university. Here now in 2012 I realize and fully accept that unless he wears the scarlet letter as one very powerful man who permitted innocent young boys to be molested by his “friend,” Penn State will never regain its prominence.

      Paterno chose his moment that would define him – too bad he chose poorly.

      Report Post » Girard1974  
    • Deadbang
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 9:48pm

      I agree one hundred percent. The NCAA is going to punish current players and staff who had nothing to do with this. No one really knows how much Joe Paterno really knew the just think they do. The community and many young men who planned on playing Penn State football will be devistated by the NCAA “death penalty”. For any one who thinks PSU is alone in putting football on a pedistal you are very wrong. Football is king at all division 1A schools.

      Report Post » Deadbang  
  • gbgreta
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 8:49am

    It’s wise to not build statues of living men. Wait at least 20 years after their death for a clearer picture to emerge. Saves wasted bronze.

    Report Post »  
    • truthb4fiction
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 9:02am

      You stole my line but then again I could not have said it better!! Great Post. We need to be juuuust a bit more discerning about our “hero’s” Seems like most lately have been ZERO’s!

      Report Post »  
    • myway
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 9:42am

      Right on! Melt it down.

      Report Post » myway  
    • Dougral Supports Israel
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:05am

      I agree completely. Statues are better when built for the dead.

      Report Post »  
  • bdandsl
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 8:46am

    May he burn in hell!

    Report Post » bdandsl  
  • Altair
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 8:41am

    “The good men do is interr’d with their bones; their evil lives long afterward.”
    - Shakespeare

    Things never change. Joe Paterno was revered all the way down in Texas. How very sad.

    Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 12:32pm

      I would not be in agreement with this statement because the good deeds of men do indeed carry on after death, but because of who we are as people we remember the negatives, mistakes and wrongs done more so then the good. This would also mean that evil has more staying power then good; more power then good. Scripture, if you believe it ,say’s that good conquers evil that love wins. Yes, the evils deed of men seem to get and gather our attention, but at the end of the day it is the good that will be remembered and glorified with everlasting attention …

      Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 8:20am

    It’s about time,Paterno and all involved with covering up for that sick SOB should be erased from Penn state.They all cared more for their jobs and money than those kids and the idiot that watched a pervert rape a boy is a coward because a a real man would have made Sanduskys face a pile of goo.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 8:55am

      Agree……… & melt it down

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • swamp_donkey
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:13am

      kinda like the catholic church

      Report Post »  
    • PA PATRIOT
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:36am

      Swamp Donkey
      Exactly
      You got is but instead of the Diocease of Boston picking up the tab,
      It will be the citizens of Pennsylvania, who have deep, deeeeep pockets

      Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
    • The_Cabrito_Goat
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 4:26pm

      I say keep the statue, but edit the plaque beneath it to include the word “disgraced” somewhere within it.

      Report Post » The_Cabrito_Goat  
  • HKS
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 8:17am

    This is a sad situation. This guy was an idol for generations of football fans and to see this end is unsettling. I personally have held this guy in the highest esteem most of my life. However, given the events that were unfolding unknown to the average fans this is probably the best end for the situation. His name and image is now associated with the darkest of memories for all concerned. He not only died in fact but in memories as well. RIP.

    Report Post » HKS  
    • shogun459
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 10:24am

      RIP hell I hope whereever he is he knows he was found out!

      Report Post » shogun459  
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