As first reported by Kimberly Jones of the NFL Network last week, the Joe Paterno statue at Penn State is coming down this weekend. Crews are currently prepping the site in preparation for removing it this morning.

Penn State President Rodney Erickson has released a statement this morning on the removal of the statute.

I now believe that, contrary to its original intention, Coach Paterno’s statue has become a source of division and an obstacle to healing in our University and beyond. 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. 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.

Here is a video stream of the efforts to remove the statue this morning. They have put up blue tarp around the scene, and a forklift is positioned as crews work with jackhammers.

Live video from your Android device on Ustream

[UPDATE] The statue is down, and here is a symbolic photo of the statue covered up with a tarp with the workers around it, with the raised finger pointing upward.

 

[photo via @MMisciagno]