Per Jim Gardner of 6ABC in Philly, the Penn State Board of Trustees has voted to remove Joe Paterno immediately. Longtime assistant coach Tom Bradley will take over as Paterno's interim replacement. A press conference is scheduled to begin any minute. We will update accordingly. [@Jim_Gardner]

UPDATE: The board's decision to fire Paterno was unanimous, according to John P. Surma, the vice chairman of the Board of Trustees, who spoke to the media and took questions. "Joe Paterno is no longer the football coach, effective immediately," Surma said. "It was necessary for the long-term views of the university ... which is much larger than athletic programs. ... Our job was to make this determination. ... I think in the long-term, we've done the right thing."

Surma also said Graham Spanier is out as the university's president. Mike McQueary, the then-graduate assistant and current wide receivers coach who testified he saw Jerry Sandusky raping a boy in the shower, has had no change in his job status, Surma said. Paterno also was told of the board's decision over the phone.


UPDATE #2: Paterno issues his second statement of the day:

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 calm 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.


EARLIER: A guide to the child sexual abuse charges against former Paterno assistant Jerry Sandusky. Read all our coverage so far.