I personally thought this couldnt happen soon enough but, finally, The statue, weighing more than 900 pounds, which was built in 2001 in honor of Paterno's record-setting 324th Division I coaching victory and his "contributions to the university." is finally outta here!!
Sue Paterno and two of the Paternos' children visited the statue Friday as students and fans lined up to get their pictures taken with the landmark.
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. Many of those watching stared in disbelief, and at least one woman wept, while others expressed anger at the decision.
"I think it was an act of cowardice on the part of the university," Mary Trometter of Williamsport, who wore a shirt bearing Joe Paterno's image. She said she felt betrayed by university officials, saying they promised openness but said nothing about the decision until just before the removal work began.
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 totally agree with the removal of the statue. Sure his legacy will remain, but so will the damage to the University forever. Hey , out of site , out of mind. Lets move on shall we?
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