The late-night decision by the Penn State board of trustees to fire long-time head coach Joe Paterno prompted riots in State College, Pa., on Wednesday.

Demonstrators took to the streets of downtown State College, and overturned a local television news van and light poles were brought down in the chaos. Bottles and rocks were thrown, as roughly 100 police officers showed up in riot gear and with tear gas, as the crowd gathered in Old Main and then moved to Beaver Canyon.

There was an estimated 2,000 gatherers involved in the demonstrations. Most of the crowd were there to see the actions of those that were causing unrest, according to ESPN. Fans chanted We want Joe during Wednesday's protest.

A majority of those who were interviewed by the media said they were out to express this displeasure with the board's decision to oust Paterno in such fashion.

JoePa is Penn State football, said one fan on television.

Media and students appeared at Paterno's home, and the 84-year-old coaching legend stepped out to urge calm and tell students to return to their studies. Paterno had been affiliated with the Penn State for 61 years.

Some Penn State supporters felt that the press exaggerated Paterno's role in allegations that former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky sexually assaulted young boys.

Defensive coordinator and now interim head coach Tom Bradley said that Joe Paterno means about as much to him as his father in a press conference on Thursday.

Here is a look at some of the video from the riots:

Pennsylvania ESPN+ Video