Joe Paterno Fired: Twitter Erupts with Reaction to Dismissal

On Wednesday night, Joe Paterno was out as head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions.

It was something that we knew would happen at some point, but it's the manner and scandal that surrounds that has put a pall on what should have been a legend leaving behind a honorable legacy. 

Instead of a hero's sendoff, Paterno was forced out after Penn State board of trustees met in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

Here is how the end of the Joe Paterno era was received by Twitter.

What better place to start us off than with one of Paterno's now-former players. Quarterback Matt McGloin told everyone how much the 84-year-old coach has meant to him. 

CNBC and SportsBiz host Darren Rovell puts the word amazing to this news in his tweet. You can also go with astonishing as well. 

There is this tweet that summed up what the board delivered. The offer to retire was one thing, but they simply couldn't have him go on one more game. 

Agree with this tweet that Paterno in his current state would do little to quell the irate student body. 

Rick Reilly tweets some perspective and link to a column. 

Another take in tweet from from one of the many voices. 

Despite us knowing Paterno would be out at some point, it is still very much surreal as this tweet states. 

Despite the huge number of students that rally, this tweet seems to sum up what most believe. 

This tweet reminds us that Paterno was leaving anyway, but he shouldn't have left amidst such scandal. Again, this is truly surreal. 

This tweet truly relays what too little too late means in this case. 

This tweet seems to be what most will believe as the sun comes up on the first day of a Paterno-less Penn State.

Thousands will voice their opinion on Twitter, and millions will be polarized by the biggest pieces of fallout from the Sandusky scandal.

We all knew that Paterno needed to go; we knew that Penn State would be forever changed. Still, it doesn't make it any easier to see it take place before our very eyes.