According to ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr., despite this past week’s Freeh report revealing Joe Paterno’s role in the Jerry Sandusky child sex scandal Penn State has no plans to take down Paterno’s statue which stands in front of Beaver Stadium.
The trustees’ reluctance to remove the statue is motivated, in part, by a desire not to offend alumni and students who adore the late coach despite the damning findings of his role in the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse cover-up detailed in the Freeh report, the sources said. Some trustees also said in interviews they want to resist being pressured by the media into a sudden decision about such an emotionally charged issue.
No word yet on whether or not the University plans to change the name of the school’s library which bares the names of Paterno as well. However in light of this recent news and Penn State switching the channel it the student center during the Freeh’s press conference it’s hard to believe that the University is taking all necessary measures to undergo a much needed image change.
Ref: ESPN, Huffington Post