Penn State President Rodney Erickson announced the decision Sunday morning, calling the statue “a source of division and an obstacle to healing.”

“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,” Erickson said. “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.”

Around 6:15 a.m. Sunday, campus construction crews and police started closing off the main road that runs past the statue and installed fencing covered by blue tarp to block sight lines of the statue.

It’s a shame. The whole situation is a shame. I underestimated the magnitude of the statement made by taking the statue down. I really cannot say I feel bad for Paterno and his legacy, but in a way I do. That’s not right, isn’t it? Either way, Penn State is beginning the process of eradicating one of college football’s greatest figures – strictly football speaking.