Penn State Supporters Reel at Unprecedented NCAA Sanctions

Posted by Shirley Brady on July 23, 2012 11:47 AM

Penn State players, alumni and other supports are in shock today following the NCAA's unprecedented actions in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal: a $60 million fine, a four-year college bowl ban and 40 scholarships axed, in addition to erasing all 14 seasons of victories under late coach Joe Paterno. The move follows a damning report by former FBI director Louis Freeh that accused the university of enabling former Penn State football coach Sandusky's crimes.

The NCAA's executive committee chair Ed Ray stated at a press conference, "The historically unprecedented actions by the NCAA today are warranted by the conspiracy of silence that was maintained at the highest levels of the university in reckless and callous disregard for the children. There is incredible interest in what will happen to Penn State football. But, the fundamental story of this horrific chapter should focus on the innocent children and the powerful people who let them down." Are the NCAA sanctions excessive in your opinion? Post a comment below. (Update: Click here for Penn State president Rodney Erickson's response.)

More about: Penn State, Jerry Sandusky, Joe Paterno, Scandals, Apologies, Big Ten, NCAA, Schools, Louis Freeh, Ethics, Transparency, HR, Academia, Organizations, Image Rehab

kenstee says:

As a Penn State grad I believe the sanctions DID NOT go far enough! The "Sick" football/sports culture at PSU needs to be put down for good. It has been a sports program masquerading as a university for far too long.

July 23, 2012 12:20 PM #

For Jerry's Kids says:

No amount of money, fines, title-stripping and sanctions will bring back the lives those boys and young men lost at Sandusky's hands -- and Penn State's hands, by enabling him. It will take them a long time to restore their once-good name.

July 23, 2012 12:48 PM #

Nittany says:

Penn State first year coach Bill O'Brien responded: "Today we receive a very harsh penalty from the NCAA and as Head Coach of the Nittany Lions football program, I will do everything in my power to not only comply, but help guide the University forward to become a national leader in ethics, compliance and operational excellence. I knew when I accepted the position that there would be tough times ahead. But I am committed for the long term to Penn State and our student athletes."

www.usatoday.com/.../1

July 23, 2012 01:19 PM #

@Anne_F_K says:

To right the wrongs of Sandusky, the NCAA is going to hurt Penn State students? Punish the guilty, not the innocent.

July 23, 2012 02:00 PM #

JoePaternalistic says:

Here's the statement by the Paterno Family:

espn.go.com/.../paterno-family-statement-on-ncaa-ruling

July 23, 2012 05:19 PM #

Patricia K says:

Feels like a vendetta. First of all, taking off the games is too extreme -- JoePa didn't win those games, the players did, and it penalizes them. Taking away scholarships is also too much -- there goes recruiting -- and coaches will also walk away. Finally, Paterno can't defend himself, he's dead. How fair is that?

July 23, 2012 11:44 PM #

M-Michael says:

Yes, more than justified considering the elevation of a football program above the lives of innocent young children who will be living with this shame and horror long after these sanctions are but a memory. The NCAA should have also enforced the death penalty for Penn State.

July 24, 2012 10:28 AM #

Louboutin Outlet says:

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Sampdoria and Inter Milan in the transfer of Polly bitterness, but according to the latest news of the "market", Sampdoria's latest target is the 1993 Inter Milan striker Li Wagu, Sang Puduoliya hope to get half ownership of the Liwa Jia and took him to the team the same time, Sampdoria hope to get 94 years of Inter Milan midfielder Pasadena.

July 26, 2012 10:22 PM #