Joe Paterno Fired: The Images from Newspapers Around the Country

Today is a historic day for college football and a somewhat sad day as well. Last night Penn State's board of trustees made the difficult decision of letting go legendary head coach Joe Paterno.

This move comes off allegations that former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky was sexually abusing little boys.

While the news may not shock you because many believe it was the right move to make, it has caused mixed reactions throughout the college football world. 

Here are some of the images and titles that are in our newspapers this morning across the country.

New York Times: Paterno Is Finished at Penn State, and President Is out

This is the headline on the front page of the New York Times online. Very simple title, but the picture shows something very different.

After the news that coach Paterno was fired, students took the streets to show their frustrations. Cars were vandalized, as they tore down light poles and chanted in Joe Paterno's support.

“I think the point people are trying to make is the media is responsible for JoePa going down,” said freshman Mike Clark.

Chicago Tribune: Outrage After Penn St. Fires Paterno, President

This picture shows several of the protestors that are in support of Joe Paterno lined up as police arrive. It's estimated that 2,000 students took to the streets of State College, and it got so bad police had to use pepper spray to break it up.

Police are still gathering information to determine if any arrests should be made.

Miami Herald: Paterno Done 'Immediately'

Joe Paterno was planning on staying till the end of the season to retire, but once the board of trustees stepped in, they made the decision for him to be gone immediately.

"I'm not sure I can tell you specifically," board vice chair John Surma replied when asked at a packed news conference why Paterno had to be fired immediately. "In our view, we thought change now was necessary."

USA Today: Paterno's Legacy Forever Tainted

Paterno is one of the greatest coaches in all of college football and has 409 career wins and two National Championships to prove it. But with this type of ending to his career, it's safe to say his legacy will have two sides to it.

LA Times: This Should Be the End of Paterno State

This picture includes fans taking to the streets trying to destroy anything in their path.

The title and article was written by Los Angeles Times writer Bill Plaschke.

In the article he says, "Save your tears for the victims while working up a cheer for the fall of one of the most oppressive college sports dictatorships in America. Paterno State University is gone. May it rest in pieces."

Strong stuff.

Washington Post: Penn State fires Paterno and President Spanier

That's another picture of students going crazy after the news just broke that Paterno had been fired. This one is a picture of students flipping a news fan.

Stay classy, Penn State.

Newsday: Paterno Fired, Fans Erupt in Protest

The title says more than the picture does in this one, but there's no question people will never look at Joe Paterno the same way again.

Boston Globe: Penn State fires Joe Paterno

This is a picture of Paterno and his wife, Sue, outside their home after they received the news that Paterno had been fired. They were greeted with a bunch of media and fans outside chanting in Joe's support. 

In the Boston Globe, writer Bob Rayn writes, "There is no quick fix for the disturbing Penn State child molestation scandal, but the healing can now begin with the necessary firing of Paterno."

Kansas City Star: Penn State Fires Joe Paterno; Unrest Follows

Remember slide No. 6 that showed the fans trying to flip a news fan? Well, that's what it looks like when the job was completed.

Seattle Times: Joe Paterno Fired

This is a picture of Paterno arriving at his home after announcing that he would retire at the end of the season. This was probably the last picture taken of him when he was still a member of Penn State.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]

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