(Image source: Centre Daily Times )

BY NATHAN BYRNE

ANCHOR LOGAN TITTLE

The statue of former Penn State head football coach, Joe Paterno, is no longer standing. 

The decision to take it down comes after an investigation revealed the late coach and other university administrators hid sex-abuse claims against Jerry Sandusky. ESPN reports .

“That is the Joe Paterno statue being removed from outside Beaver Stadium. Taken away on a forklift, under blankets and shrink wrap. Took a long time to jackhammer that 900-pound statue out of there.”

Students gathered to watch the statue come down. Here’s WHTM .

“Construction vehicles and police arrived early this morning, they barricaded the streets and sidewalks in the area. ... As more than 100 students outside chanted, ‘We are Penn State.’”

As the Jerry Sandusky scandal unfolded, opinions on the statue’s future started to change. YNN explains .

“The statue was once a symbol of greatness for the school. It was where people paid their respects after Paterno’s death. But it has become a symbol of scandal for many.”

Penn State President Rod Erickson made the official announcement Sunday morning. WTAE has his statement .

“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.”

The NCAA has announced it will punish Penn State with sanctions. Those details are expected Monday.