A very somber mood hung over the Penn State campus in State College after the NCAA handed down severe and harsh sanctions on Monday.

Many former and current students gathered outside Beaver Stadium following the NCAA's announcement. It was a turbulent time once again as hardcore Penn State fans said the penalties handed down Monday only add insult to injury.

"It's not fair to the current football players. They didn't do anything. It's not their fault," said Carolyn Fellin, who graduated from PSU in 1957.

"Something needed to be done, but I don't think they should penalize the team. I think it should have more to do with the officials of the school," said Debbie Scherman, who lives near State College.

"Some horrible things happened here, so I understand why.  I wish it weren't the case, but I understand it," said Daniel Smith, a current senior at the university.

Crowds gathered Monday afternoon to stop and stare. Some snapped pictures at what once was a shrine to the legendary coach. Now, a blue tarp covers the area where that famous bronze statue stood honoring Joe Paterno, who is no longer the winningest coach in college football.

"It's like an empty grave. There's nothing left and it's only sad memories," said Patrick Thorp, who graduated from PSU in 2011.

The blue and white has been spared the death penalty, but was still dealt a bad blow. Signs litter the ground outside the stadium. One read, "Unfair to players. Unfair to JoePa." Another said, "They can take your statue and unjustly slander your name, but they'll never take your legacy or our loyalty away."

"It's not a death sentence. It will just make us better and stronger," said Kathleen Hellmann, who lives in State College.

"If something like that happens, there needs to be punishment and consequences. I think the NCAA did a good job with that," said Thorp.