Locals React To Removal Of Joe Paterno Statue
By Jenn Bernstein
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's one of the most recognizable and symbolic statues at Penn State. On Sunday, as Joe Paterno's statue was removed, people in Philadelphia were reacting.
"I think it's appropriate," says Rick Lawrence. "Although he was a legend. It's just what happened."
"I think it should be taken down since he knew what was going on," Nicole Scogi says.
"It's sad, says Mike Miller of Swedesboro, New Jersey. "But I think they made the right decision."
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John J. Gallagher is the Delaware County Penn State Alumni Chapter President. He says it's a sad day, but until the investigation is complete,it was the right thing to do.
"It was difficult to see that happen," Gallagher says. "But I think that President Erickson has made the right decision. I think it had to happen. There was too much controversy around the statue."
Eagles tight end Brett Brackett played under Joe Paterno at Penn State. He thinks there's too much attention on the statue.
"I don't think the attachment to the statue should be at the forefront," says Brackett. "I think it's much more important to take into consideration everything that happened to the victims."
Phillies fan Colleen Sharkey of Philadelphia agreed.
"It's all for show," she says. It's not doing anything for the families of the victims. It's all for show."
Penn State had another hurdle to tackle on Monday morning. The NCAA was expected to hand down sanctions to the football program and the its president said he has not ruled out closing it down for at least one year.
