Penn State Riot: Students Protest, Clash With Police After Joe Paterno Fired

Penn State Riot Draws 'About 100' Police Officers, According To Report

We have all sorts of Penn State riot videos, photos, and first-hand accounts here, but one thing we've lacked is big-picture numbers and facts on the aftermath. Word spread throughout the night about two arrests, but police are still tracking down the official final number.

The Associated Press reports "about 100 police wearing helmets and carrying pepper spray" were on the scene. Tear gas was also used at one point, and batons were brandished. At one point, claims of police dogs broke up a large cluster of humanity. Hard to say whether police dogs were actually used as a threat, but it definitely doesn't seem any were loosed.

Expect more throughout the coming days on arrests, damage, and injuries as officials put pieces together.

For more on the Nittany Lions, visit Penn State blog Black Shoe Diaries. Follow all of SB Nation's coverage of the Jerry Sandusky investigation in our StoryStream.

Penn State Vs. Nebraska: Huskers Brass Worrying About Safety

In light of the showy but evocative riots that spread across Penn State's campus Wednesday night, it's understandable some might worry about playing a Big Ten football game in front of 100,000 people only days later. The Nebraska Cornhuskers are scheduled to be in town, and one University of Nebraska regent has expressed concerns:

Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln said he began worrying about safety while watching televised coverage of the scene in State College, Pa., after coach Joe Paterno's firing Wednesday night. He said Penn State has a raucous atmosphere on a normal football Saturday, and the school owes Nebraska answers.

This isn't really the same kind of thing as when Louisville was reportedly thinking about keeping its cheerleaders out of Morgantown. It's the job of higher-ups to think of stuff like this to be concerned about. I'd expect a peaceful afternoon, with many older fans and alums in the building, along with a few days worth of cooldown for emotional students. But it would probably still be wise for police to field an increased presence.

For more on the Nittany Lions, visit Penn State blog Black Shoe Diaries. Follow all of SB Nation's coverage of the Jerry Sandusky investigation in our StoryStream.

PHOTO: Penn State Students, Protesting The Protest

Not all Penn State students took to the streets of State College Wednesday night to protest the firing of a football coach who didn't stop child abuse from happening under his watch. While a TV news van was flipped, street lights came down, and this guy failed to contribute, more than one PSUer showed up to point out the reason Joe Paterno had to be fired. 

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Plenty of participants were just people-watching, and plenty were legitimately upset that Paterno had been fired. It still wasn't a display Penn State will be putting in their recruitment ads any time soon. It's good to see these citizens, along with the gentleman in the latter video here, were willing to stand contrary to what had to have been one of the dumbest riots ever.

For more on the Nittany Lions, visit Penn State blog Black Shoe Diaries. Follow all of SB Nation's coverage of the Jerry Sandusky investigation in our StoryStream.

VIDEO: Penn State Riots Not Really Riots, Andy Staples Informs CNN

VIDEO: Penn State Rioters Harass Media Members, Mug For Cameras

Here we have the perfect Penn State riot video. This one really tells you all you need to know about the rally for fired coach Joe Paterno. Watch as a pair of "national media members" (I have no idea of their identities) is booed, cursed, and toilet-papered while surrounded by riot cops and trying to flee a hostile portion of campus.

Then watch as other Penn State students recite their dutiful "Wooooooooooooo!"s for another media member, a camera man.

In under a minute, there's everything you need to know about what happened in State College Wednesday night. Some kids wanted attention, but didn't want anybody to pay attention to what has actually been happening under the nose of Penn State's football program.

Wooooooooooo!

For more on the Nittany Lions, visit Penn State blog Black Shoe Diaries. Follow all of SB Nation's coverage of the Jerry Sandusky investigation in our StoryStream.

VIDEOS: Penn State Police Deploy Pepper Spray, Tear Gas During Riot

Penn State students gathered en masse to show support for former (former!) football coach Joe Paterno, who was fired by the school's Board of Trustees for not taking the opportunity to stop former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky from raping many children. If it's time to gather en masse, it's time to break some stuff, and if it's time to break stuff, it's time for the police force assembled from various jurisdictions to use pepper spray and tear gas.

The former does a fine job of dispersing one pack of students. A pair of true pros in the middle is even able to get out of harm's way while still partying. 

Tear gas, however, only seemed capable of sidelining an ABC reporter on the scene. Watch this and wonder why Dan Harris is the only person in the shot who appears to be feeling the affects. I don't know either.

For more on the Nittany Lions, visit Penn State blog Black Shoe Diaries. Follow all of SB Nation's coverage of the Jerry Sandusky investigation in our StoryStream.

VIDEOS: Penn State Kids Topple Street Lights For Joe Paterno

If there's one thing that always warmed the heart of former Penn St. Nittany Lions coach Joe Paterno (former!), it was seeing minor violence and mayhem carried on long after Jeopardy! has concluded. And if there's one sure sign of a decent outbreak of minor violence and mayhem, it's the razing of street lights.

Here's a video of the first such unlucky fixture:

And here's the second:

Both videos via Deadspin.

I believe that's the extent of the street light carnage, but don't be horrified if the light of the morning leads to the discovery of more downed street lights. This is a perhaps the first time ever that street lights have been systematically disabled in defense of a football coach who failed to report a rape, and that's probably not much to be proud of.

For more on the Nittany Lions, visit Penn State blog Black Shoe Diaries. Follow all of SB Nation's coverage of the Jerry Sandusky investigation in our StoryStream.

VIDEOS: Mid-Riot Penn State Students Debating Joe Paterno's Firing

VIDEO: Penn State Rioter Tears Down Sign, Shatters Tailbone

Penn State Riot Tapers Off As Police Clear The Streets

The Penn State riots have finally died down, hours after they began. Following the Board of Trustees' announcement that Joe Paterno had been fired, effective immediately, protesters converged on downtown State College, where they remained throughout much of the night. Police did mobilize while aggressively working to break the crowd up, and hours later it appears their efforts were successful.

Via

In a sign things were truly slowing, police formed a line and began to march down Beaver Avenue to clear the remaining crowds, however small.

Via

The scene is a far cry from what it was shortly after it was announced that Paterno was out as head coach. Just hours before, it was impossible to see the street, with a growing crowd enveloping downtown.

With a large portion of those who were gathered gone, the attention quickly turned to cleaning up the mess. Remember that TV van that was toppled early on?

Crews have begun to clean up broken glass from the news van, which is now being towed away. #PSUCharges — @DailyCollegian via Twitter

The damage from Wednesday night's swarm is still unknown, though reports indicated multiple street signs and lamps were toppled at one point or another, in addition to other acts of vandalism. We'll know more as daylight breaks on Thursday and the damage is further assessed.

For more on the situation that continues to develop at State College, visit SB Nation's Penn State blog, which has been on the forefront of the story from the beginning, Black Shoe Diaries, and revisit this storystream for updates.

PHOTO: The Penn State Riots' Least Valuable Player

PHOTO: The Moment A Penn State Rioter Realized This Was A Bad Idea

VIDEO: Penn State Rioters Flip A TV Van

Penn State Riot: Dispersal Orders, Rock Throwing, And Mace

The scene in College Station continues to escalate as the police attempt to control the growing crowd. Through Twitter, we've been able to follow what's going on as the situation progresses. The Penn State community notification Twitter account, @psutxt, tweeted that the police issued an official dispersal order and would begin arresting protesters.

UPark alert :: Police issue official dispersal order for Old Main, downtown State College. Everyone must vacate both areas immediately.

There have also been reports of rocks being thrown at cars on the streets and at firetrucks trying to get through the crowd:

Rocks are being thrown at cars on College Avenue. A few rocks are thrown at the firetruck on College Avenue .#PSUCharges 

The Daily Collegian also reports unconfirmed use of mace on the crowd:

To be clear, use of "mace" not confirmed, but certainly a pepper-spray-like substance. #PSUCharges

Protesters are also now being arrested for failure to comply with the police's orders to disperse from the area. Students and protesters are making their way back to campus, running from the police.

For more on the situation that continues to develop at State College, visit SB Nation's Penn State blog, which has been on the forefront of the story from the beginning, Black Shoe Diaries, and revisit this storystream for updates.

Penn State Riot Rapidly Escalating

After previous reports of pepper spray and police in riot gear, the student gatherings at Penn State have taken a turn for the worse. This photo, taken by Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim, shows what students have been up to.

There have also been reports of students toppling a light pole and police macing gatherers. ESPN's John Barr has been reporting live from the scene, and he's said he's "afraid someone's going to get trampled." Shortly after the above picture was circulated, CBS' Gregg Doyel, who has been in State College all week, revealed more damage.

Barr went on to say a fire truck has driven through the crowd, and he saw what appeared to be a flare or a cannister of some kind. Obviously this situation is nowhere near over, and we at SB Nation will continue to provide updates as to whatever happens.

For more on the situation that continues to develop at State College, visit SB Nation's Penn State blog, which has been on the forefront of the story from the beginning, Black Shoe Diaries, and revisit this storystream for updates.

Joe Paterno Expresses Disappointment, Asks Everyone To Remain Calm

Joe Paterno released a second statement on Wednesday night, hours after he was fired by the Penn State Board of Trustees. The first statement was short, with Paterno saying he would have to get used to not being the head coach at Penn State. But as the gathering in State College grew and showed signs of spinning out of control, Paterno asked the students to be respectful and thanked those who have been a part of his career.

Paterno's statement, which was broadcast on ESPN, is as follows:

"I am disappointed with the Board of Trustees' decision, but I have to accept it. A tragedy occurred, and we all have to have patience to let the legal process proceed. I appreciate the outpouring of support but want to emphasize that everyone should remain clam and please respect the university, its property and all that we value. I have been incredibly blessed to spend my entire career working with people I love. I am grateful beyond words to all of the coaches, players and staff who have been a part of this program. And to all of our fans and supporters, my family and I will be forever in your debt."

He also added the following when speaking to the students outside his home.

"I want to say to all these great students who I love, you guys are great all of you. When I say guys you know I mean, I mean girls, too. Look, get a good night's sleep. Study. Alright, we've still got things to do. I'm out of it maybe. The phone call put me out of it. We'll go from there, ok? Good luck everybody. Thanks for coming."

For more on the situation that continues to develop at State College, visit SB Nation's Penn State blog, which has been on the forefront of the story from the beginning, Black Shoe Diaries, and revisit this storystream for updates.

Penn State Riot: Tear Gas, Pepper Spray Used As Police Move In

It's starting to get ugly in State College, where a massive amount of students have taken to the streets in protest of Joe Paterno's firing on Wednesday. While the damage thus far has been minimal -- reports indicate a downed lightpost and little more at this point -- the ingredients are there for a volatile situation. Police are keeping a watchful eye, but have begun to actively take measure to get the crowd to disperse.

The scene was already chaotic shortly after the Penn State Board of Trustees announced Paterno's firing. And as the night has wore on, the crowd downtown in State College has continued to swell, with little indication it will disperse anytime soon.

Below are a few reports from the scene.

Black Shoe Diaries' Ben Jones, who has been all over this story, reported pepper spray being deployed as police tried to control the crowd.

Pepper spray.In my nose. — @Ben_Jones88 via Twitter

It's about to get bad. Crowd moving in on cops — @greggdoyelcbs via Twitter

Tear gas has also begun to be sprayed in an effort to get the crowd to disperse (via Anna Orso).

Sergeant smail has sprayed tear gas on students. Lt. Fishel just came over to me and told me to leave because they are going to start spraying people.

Finally, Jones came back with a humorous, and somewhat scary, tweet.

Guy next to me just took a beer can. Vancouver flashbang style. — @Ben_Jones88 via Twitter

It's not a good situation at the moment, and may only continue to get worse as the night wears on.

For more on the situation that continues to develop at State College, visit SB Nation's Penn State blog, which has been on the forefront of the story from the beginning, Black Shoe Diaries, and revisit this storystream for updates.

Penn State Riot: Student Protest Grows After Joe Paterno Fired

Penn State students took to the street on Wednesday night after head coach Joe Paterno was fired, effective immediately, by the Board of Trustees. Paterno is a beloved figure in State College, and the news that he was out as head coach triggered a huge gathering in downtown State College. Students took to the streets, and have been rallying in protest -- some screaming "We Want Joe" -- since the move was announced.

A few photos from the scene can be found below. The first should give you a sense of what's going on in State College, and involves a "look at me" moment.

Via KegsNEggs

via Daily Collegian

via Daily Collegian

Lastly, this view of the situation as it stands now, which shows the magnitude of the gathering in State College.

via Jon Wertheim

This clearly looks like a situation about to get out of hand. While one could classify this as college students being college students, there's no need for a potentially destructive gathering on top of everything else that's rocked the Penn State community recently. It's already bad enough; the students -- who are probably a small representation of the Penn State community at large -- rallying and protesting in the streets are making the situation worse.

For more on the situation that continues to develop at State College, visit SB Nation's Penn State blog, which has been on the forefront of the story from the beginning, Black Shoe Diaries, and revisit this storystream for updates.

Joe Paterno Fired: Penn State Students Gather On Campus In Protest

Joe Paterno is out as head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, the Board of Trustees announced on Wednesday evening. The move was immediately met with shock and anger by those gathered in State College following the press conference to announce Paterno had coached his last game.

Video of the area showed a large gathering, likely of students, chanting and yelling. Screams of "We Want Joe" could be heard, as well as "[expletive] Sandusky" and "We Are ... Penn State."

Many began to gather outside Beaver Stadium, where a statue of Paterno resides. Black Shoe Diaries' Ben Jones tweeted the following picture after the press conference, which seems to show a relatively peaceful crowd gathering around the statue.

He added the mood, at the time, was somber, with students shedding tears and taking photos of the statue.

On campus, however, it was a different story. The situation appears to be volatile and the crowd continues to grow. While it probably doesn't classify as a riot at this point -- more of a large protest -- there's no telling if the gathering will take a turn for the worse as the night progresses.

We'll be back with more as it develops in State College.

For more on the Nittany Lions, visit Penn State blog Black Shoe Diaries. Follow all of SB Nation's coverage of the Jerry Sandusky investigation in our StoryStream.