Joe Paterno statue rescue effort fell short

A State College, Pa., businessman who donated money toward the statue says he wasn't consulted so he went to court.

A State College, Pa., businessman who donated money toward the now-removed statue of Joe Paterno says he sought a court order to prevent Penn State University from taking down the bronze likeness of the late coach.

Eddie Lauth says his request for a preliminary injunction was denied on Friday and a hearing on the matter was scheduled for this week. The 7-foot statue was taken down early Sunday.

Lauth says he donated $25,000 toward the statue's cost and complained he wasn't consulted about the decision.

Lauth tells the Centre Daily Times he still wants to know what Penn State ultimately plans to do with the statue now that it's been taken down.

A university spokesman says Penn State wasn't aware of Lauth's injunction request.