Penn State fans petition to have Paterno's 409 wins restored

A group of Penn State fans are trying to get the 111 wins that former coach Joe Paterno was stripped of restored. The wins were removed as part of the sanctions levied on the team in 2012 due to the Jerry Sandusky sex scandal that rocked the school in 2011.

Thousands of Paterno supporters in State College, including students, alumni, players, and even a former school president, are signing a petition in support of restoring the wins.

As ESPN's Josh Moyer reports, organizers estimate the three 7 x 4 foot signs on East College Avenue exceed 15,000 total signatures. More than 100 Sharpie markers were used. Former Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers great Franco Harris signed all three signs.

"There is an obvious and growing enthusiasm for the restoration of 409 wins," said the group's spokesperson, Harry Levant. "Penn State fans have never had the opportunity to have their voice heard. We recognize this void and, in an event like this, we give the people an opportunity to express their feelings in a positive way."

The group will deliver the signs to NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis between Nov. 16 and Nov. 27.

Paterno's 409 total wins were stripped down to 298 - including all wins from 1998-2011. Last month, the NCAA lifted many of the remaining sanctions, such as the Nittany Lions' postseason ban. Paterno was fired in November 2011 and passed away two months later.

"For us, it's really about righting a wrong," organizer Connie Ferrara said.

Former Penn State President Graham Spanier, who remains implicated in the scandal, also showed up at the event to lend his support.