Former Penn State players want return of Joe Paterno statue

Over 200 former Penn State football lettermen petitioned the university on Tuesday for the return of the bronze statue of the late Joe Paterno.

The statue of the former Penn State football coach was removed in the summer of 2012 during the Jerry Sandusky child sexual molestation case.

Former players and coaches dating back to the 1950s requested the return of statue and also asked for the university to apologize to Paterno's widow.

Former tight end/punter Brian Masella penned the letter. Among the former players who put their names on the letter was 1973 Heisman Trophy winner John Cappelletti, a former running back.

"Joe Paterno has been cast in a negative light," Masella told ESPN, "and we're trying to correct that narrative. The university has ignored us over and over again."

A university spokesman acknowledged receipt of the letter but the school didn't issue a comment.

The statue has remained controversial since being removed. Its current whereabouts are unknown and Penn State has previously stated it is in a "secure location."