Penn State gets $60 million fine; Paterno wins vacated
Workers remove the statue of Joe Paterno from outside Beaver Stadium Sunday. (AP Photo/Centre Daily Times, Christopher Weddle)
The NCAA on Monday imposed severe sanctions against Penn State in the Jerry Sandusky sex scandal but stopped short of imposing the “death penalty.”
NCAA President Mark Emmert said the penalties would include a $60 million fine, a four-year bowl ban, a reduction in football scholarships from 25 to 15 for four years and the vacating of all victories from 1998 to 2011. Football scholarships will be capped at 65, 20 fewer than the normal 85.
Emmert also said that any Penn State athlete who wants to transfer to another school can do so and be eligible to play immediately.
Emmert, speaking at a news conference at NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis, said the $60 million fine equals one year’s revenues for the Penn State football program.
“These funds must be paid into an endowment for external programs preventing child sexual abuse or assisting victims and may not be used to fund such programs at the university,” the NCAA said in statement.
Emmert said the penalties are in response to “an athletic structure that went horribly awry” but acknowledged that no penalty could undo “the tragic damage that has been done to the victims and their families.”
Penn State officials said they would not challenge the penalties.
“Against this backdrop, Penn State accepts the penalties and corrective actions announced today by the NCAA,” Penn State President Rodney Erickson said in a statement. “With today’s announcement and the action it requires of us, the University takes a significant step forward.”
The NCAA’s action comes less than two weeks after a report from former FBI director Louis Freeh found the late Joe Paterno and other Penn State officials covered up years of sexual abuse of young boys by Sandusky, the Nitanny Lions’ former defensive coordinator.
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229 comments Add your comment
BigTimeTECHFan
July 23rd, 2012
9:48 am
On a side note: UGA is one of the few schools that has room to take on about 5 players this year. Maybe they will get a group of player from Penn St
Dan
July 23rd, 2012
9:48 am
What a joke. The NCAA has just shown that they are nothing more than a business and that they don’t want to hurt one of their moneymakers. If they actually stood for the athletes, they would have imposed the ‘death penalty’.
If there ever was a situation that warranted it, it was this.
Epic fail, NCAA
DawginLex
July 23rd, 2012
9:50 am
The penalty is a hammer job. The NCAA is crippling this program into making it pursue integrity while not worrying about whether or not they will go to a bowl since they can’t go anyway.
The players can leave(and they will) and the university will be left to field a team of walkons and scrubs.
They can learn from it and build it back up but it will take time.
me
July 23rd, 2012
9:50 am
Join Reality
July 23rd, 2012
9:41 am
I want to know what NCAA rule was broken that led to the heavy sanctions?
A question from a dunce who doesn’t know the difference between NCAA rules and criminal behavior.
MR164
July 23rd, 2012
9:50 am
Bobby Bowden = All-time winningest major college coach.
Eddie Robinson = all-time wins leader.
Gary
July 23rd, 2012
9:51 am
In my opinion, this penalty is even more severe than the death penalty handed down to SMU. Vacating all those wins is a huge slap in the face to the Penn State program as well as the bowl ban and scholarship limitations. No quality athlete is going to want to come to Penn State and play football. I just feel bad for the young men there now who through no fault of their own will have to start over in another program. What a mess.
@ Aquagirl
July 23rd, 2012
9:51 am
Seriously?! Again I’ll repeat it, you can’t compare SMU and Penn St.
Apples and oranges.
SMU had the PLAYERS involved in the corruption. Everyone was wrong from the boosters who paid, the coaches who turned a blind eye, and the PLAYERS who had their hands out. THAT’S why they got the death penalty.
You people who think Penn St should have got the death penalty because of the actions of few have absolutely no compassion for the players who went there in good faith. The death penalty would hurt those players WAY more than it would the school, If you can’t see that then I can’t help you. If you think that would be the right thing to do then you’re probably the type who has tunnel vision. You have to look at all angles.
The punishment they handed out punishes the school but doesnt punish the players who shouldn’t be anyway.
sparky
July 23rd, 2012
9:52 am
C. Moakler: Did you read the article? The money is not going to NCAA. It reads,“These funds must be paid into an endowment for external programs preventing child sexual abuse or assisting victims and may not be used to fund such programs at the university,” the NCAA said in statement. So explain how NCAA is cashing in. That is how untruths are started.
Roll Turd
July 23rd, 2012
9:52 am
Sickening, Disgusting, Appalling, inexcusable, indefensible…..the NCAA has now lost ALL credibility it had as a governing body. They have rendered themselves completely inadequate and irrelevant by this.
It is truly a sad day for everyone who loves sports and athletics.
Old Guy
July 23rd, 2012
9:53 am
@CrαZy: How would you not be punishing a culture of thinking that was in fact mafioso in it’s actions? No, you are wrong completely. It would be a message to every program to be on top of their ethics and that athletics does not in fact control the Universities.
RTO
July 23rd, 2012
9:53 am
The wins are the least of this matter. Even so, Robinson did win the most games but not in Division I. Secondly, Bobby won his with class. Lastly, FSU played and beat a lot of teams before and during the ACC. All the Bowl wins and National Titles were not against the ACC. In fact, BB made a name for himself and FSU by going on the road and beating really good teams. Look it up.
colin
July 23rd, 2012
9:53 am
This should have a similar effect as the death penalty. Current players (all innocent in this ordeal) can transfer and play immediately. The four year postseason ban and losing 10 scholarships a year for 4 years should guarantee that this program is irrelevant for a long time to come. The $60 million fine will also keep them from upgrading their facilities for quite some time. Finally, I believe the best thing is that the key figure in this loses 14 years worth of victories. Burn Joe Pa!!!
Keep in mind that personal lawsuits will continue to weigh upon the university for years. What a mess. Anyone associated with that university who still supports Paterno’s legacy and his family has a total lack of moral fiber.
JP
July 23rd, 2012
9:55 am
Pure PR move for the NCAA which has long been a weak, ineffective joke.
I finally connected the dots last night
July 23rd, 2012
9:55 am
Penn State had to agree to the NCAA’s decision, or there would not have been a press conference but rather a long battle between PS and the NCAA.
That being said, the statue was erected when Paterno set the record at 324. Well, since the NCAA was vacating 111 victories, the statue made no sense any more and one reason it was removed yesterday.
pbt
July 23rd, 2012
9:56 am
So, if the NCAA ever found out the Jerry Sandusky was diong this in the 70s does Penn State have to vacate those wins to. Its Funny that All the wins that Penn State have to vacate was when Jerry Sandusky was not coaching the team. Who really getting the most punshiment Sandusky are Joe Pa. Why in this society do we all punish the innocent (students,and Fans) for other people mistake. These sanctions will not allow the Penn State community to heal from these tragic events.
PSU Alum
July 23rd, 2012
9:56 am
This is a travesty. Sanduskey was NOT a coach. He was retired. Suppose the Falcons should be punished because Jamal Anderson got a DUI?
Tommy
July 23rd, 2012
9:57 am
If the powers to be at Penn State were smart, they would impose their own death penalty to their sports programs. Save the money that will be lost over the next 5-7 years and start anew in when it is all over.
Lady
July 23rd, 2012
9:57 am
You are blaming Penn State. Yes they are too blame too. But don’t tell me that the one who saw the supposed sexual molestation in the shower and didn’t do anything except report, isn’t to blame too. Why didn’t he stop in and then call the police? This was no young boy who saw the abuse. What’s your excuse for him. It seems like he is only getting a slap on the back for reporting it. Well he is to blame for the abuse of the young kid because he didn’t nothing to stop it. $60M what a laugh. Who exactly does the NCAA think they are. This country has gone to h*ll in a hand basket and it is only getting worse. It seems like no one wants to take responsibility for their own actions. Easier to blame the next person. Now that Paterno isn’t alive to defend himself, it is easier for everyone to blame him. People need to take responsibility for their actions and that includes the young boys who allowed the abuse to go on and on. Some yes they were too young to understand but others no they could have and should have gone to someone in authority and reported it. Now they want money. This seems to be something — don’t report and then let’s sue. This country has turned into a nation of let’s sue and get money. That’s the American way and juries are too dumb that they don’t get it. Award large sums of money and then blame the insurance companies for the high cost of insurance. Wake up America before it is too late.
sorrynot
July 23rd, 2012
9:59 am
Only homophobes would make the connection between homosexuality and the ruin it causes to lives and institutions.
But the homosexuals know it, and that’s why they are fighting to hard to outlaw your noticing the damage as real damage.
The push to allow gay marriage is partly a plan to push a changed definition of sex.
When the perverts get what they want, Sanduskys of the future will be given medals for helping young boys discover the joys of gay sex.
Pedophilia is theit next Rights frontier.
Look at our Army- now soldiers must give standing ovations to gays or fear retribution of being demoted or kicked out on dishonorable discharge.
It’s so bad now and getting worse, there is no recovery.
USC TROJANS FAN
July 23rd, 2012
9:59 am
i am simply amazed that the sec finds a way not to be investigated…and that some folks still think what happened at usc was worse. anyway, good for psu to be banned from bowl games for 4 years…and losing all those scholarships….oh sec fan..stay tuned because your day is coming and it will be soon. FIGHT ON!
BS=Ohio
July 23rd, 2012
10:00 am
Enter your comments here
Ok take away the scholarships for 4 years — duh – there isn’t much of a program for 4 years now anyway. Take them away when they are allowed to start competing in bowl games, etc.
Roll Turd Roll
July 23rd, 2012
10:00 am
Wake up and smell what you are trying to “sell”…!!!
A criminal does not suffer the pain and anguish as much has the wife/husband, children, mother, father, etc.
Yes, the students, athletes and other innocents will be made to suffer which is yet another reason to loathe and despise Paterno and his minions that were all conspirators in this heinous crime.
The death penalty on the football program would have been the ONLY appropriate punishment.
SportsFan
July 23rd, 2012
10:01 am
This has gone entirely too far in regards to he NCAA levying sanctions against the School. The NCAA should not even be involved in this. They have ovr stepped their bounds. I clearly understand the criminal acts involving the Retired Coach (Jerry Sandusky) and his conviction regarding his sex act against children, and I am not trying diminsh what he has done. But thet is why they have a Judicial system. They Judicial proess have taken it’s steps and the proceess worked.
Too many hands are in this matter, and too many people are passing judgements on the Schools Football program. This is going to make a devasting effect on this school. The people that are in this, should not even be in this matter.
The NCAA should not be involved because there were no NCAA Violations committed. For the NCAA to get involved is totally wrong. This will set their program back for many years to come. To wipe out 13 years of record history is wrong. The NCAA has over stepped their bounds. With the help of people who are grandstanding for their own personal gain and notoriety are now taking this School and program in a downward spiral.
Lets see what happens when your enrollment drops significantly, and revenuse is loss? Lets see what all of these inquisitive people do then.
Bobby Bowden: Winningest Coach of All Time
July 23rd, 2012
10:02 am
Y’ALL IS…
PENN STATE!
Thank Goodness I’m not part of that mess!
steverino
July 23rd, 2012
10:03 am
@SlimmerShady…never came close to a NC in the last 20 yrs? Really? 1994 ring a bell? Undefeated and arguably should have won then
The Truth
July 23rd, 2012
10:03 am
God Bless America!
It’s easier to buy assault rifles & 6,000 rounds of ammunition than it is to buy allergy medicine.
That’s why I love America!
Blue
July 23rd, 2012
10:04 am
Nativebird; you need to learn a little something. The penalties are very significant. Losing 40% of your scholarships for four years means you will not be able to compete with ANYONE at the D-1 level, and will certainly impact what kids you CAN get with the other scholarships. The NCAA said years ago that they were never going to use the death penalty again (else Bama would have gotten it a few years back). But quit making this sound like a slap on the wrist.
jw
July 23rd, 2012
10:04 am
seems this may be worse than the death penalty
Vince Dooley
July 23rd, 2012
10:05 am
It’s not an SEC school so of course they’ll get hammered. This sort of thing happened all the time at Bama. Why do you think Bryant was called “The Bear”?
Bobby Bowden: Winningest Coach of All Time
July 23rd, 2012
10:05 am
I’m going to buy some extra Chick-fil-A sandwiches for lunch today to help celebrate my title and to help support that company.
BTW, Penn State needs to shut it down for a year or two, at least, to help purge that mess and show some genuine remorse.
Football is Just a Game.
The lives of those untold numbers of kids is what (should) really matter to that university.
Freedom from Insanity
July 23rd, 2012
10:05 am
These are good sanctions, which will have a negative affect on Penn State and still allow the football,players to transfer. Some of the comments here clearly indicate the individuals either didn’t or couldn’t read the article. The NCAA does not get the money, it is to be used for programs focused on sexually abused children….and clearly indicated not to be used in conjunction with Penn State.
As far as victories go, I agree that Eddie Robinson should be #1, not Bobbie Bowden.
I also hope the Paterno family can begin to understand exactly what has happened and not continue to stick their heads in the sand! They can certainly do their own investigation, but be careful what you wish for……it may not please you!
Beau Bock
July 23rd, 2012
10:06 am
Al Bundy? Didn’t you once score 4 touchdowns in one game? And by the way, why is that McQueery dude walking away scott free? He witnessed this crap and did nothing. I’ve never read anywhere that Paterno saw any of this.
PureEvil
July 23rd, 2012
10:08 am
Screw watching the video… I’ll just ask dumb questions and make my self look like an idiot in the comment section!!
Watch the video or find transcription of the NCAA ruling, do a little research and stop looking like a fool when you ask dumb questions in the comment section!
Dave
July 23rd, 2012
10:08 am
Since when does the NCAA set penalties like a court, but in this case without any sort of legal rights or appellate opinions….this is flat out wrong…the idea that the NCAA (a athletic association & board) can decide as if it is a court, to punish a university for NON-SPORTS related transgressions is scary. That they can order a university to set aside funds, reduce scholarships in a sport that violated no NCCA rules or infractions and put a university athletic department on probation for something that has nothing to do with athletics or academia. Hey Alabama, Ohio State and Southern Cal…..look out the NCAA has just decided they are Judge, Jury and Executioner and they ain’t just carrying a big stick, but a cannon!
Bobby Bowden: Winningest Coach of All Time
July 23rd, 2012
10:08 am
I’m The Champ!
$uck It, Bear!
$uck It, Paterno!
The only race you jokers won was the race to the grave.
That, and being able to stay alive for more than a month after you all quit coaching.
People still love me!
Hilarity of a High Minded Hypocrite
July 23rd, 2012
10:09 am
“Football will never again be placed ahead of educating, nurturing and protecting young people” Mark Emmert
Sure, and I’m the King of England
Bobby Bowden: Winningest Coach of All Time
July 23rd, 2012
10:09 am
FREE SHOES UNIVERSITY ain’t so bad now, is it?
Jaded
July 23rd, 2012
10:09 am
Georgia moves into the top 10 in all-time wins. Woo hoo.
But on a more serious note, these penalties don’t sit right with me. Just don’t feel the entire football program should be destroyed for the sins of a few people who aren’t even at the university anymore.
I finally connected the dots last night
July 23rd, 2012
10:10 am
Even the undefeated 94 was questionable in the eyes of the AP and hence the reason they did not finished number 1.
Al Bundy
July 23rd, 2012
10:11 am
Vince Dooley, you’ve got it backward. SEC schools tend to get hit worse than others, because one of the other SEC schools can take up any slack. It’s Southern Cal that can get away with almost anything, because they are the only big program on the west coast (Stanford and Oregon are just OK).
Now Penn State needs to brace themselves for the civil suits…
Paddy
July 23rd, 2012
10:13 am
I have never had a kind word for the NCAA. Today is different. They hit PSU HARD! Even with 15 scholly’s to give in each of the next 4 years, who is going to accept them? 5′8″ w/r’s , 220lbs linemen & 5′10″ ’s, qbs, thats who. This effect will last 10 years, easy. Now that is the “death penelty”!
I knew it was gonna happen.
July 23rd, 2012
10:14 am
I said it in Nov. The NCAA would find a way to remove at least 2 of his victories and probably enough to give Bowden the division 1 win total.
They had to. Can you imagine Paterno’s name on top and the damage to the brand for all eternity.
I knew it was gonna happen.
July 23rd, 2012
10:17 am
Jay Paterno is making me sick. “Their won investigation”? What, with OJ in charge?
I knew it was gonna happen.
July 23rd, 2012
10:17 am
own
Jerome Horwitz
July 23rd, 2012
10:22 am
Larry/sorrynot – Gay guy once told me the biggest bashers and haters of homosexuals are usually suppressing homosexual feelings themselves.
And it’s assinine to connect homesexuals and pedophiles – two different birds and rarely are the two the same.
Skitty Fritty
July 23rd, 2012
10:22 am
The civil suits will hurt PSU where it counts, in the pocketbook. PSU football is done. They won’t be able to compete anymore because all their $ will be gone.
Charlie Hayes
July 23rd, 2012
10:22 am
UGA needs to make a push to go after Adam Breneman (2013 TE)!
I knew it was gonna happen.
July 23rd, 2012
10:22 am
LOL. Wikipedia now show he had 0 wins from 98 (see chart at bottom). LOL. What school keeps a coach that goes 12+ seasons without a win?
bill
July 23rd, 2012
10:22 am
Penn State was bound to be discovered. I have afriend who went to PennState and is a huge fan and supporter. He told me ten years ago that when Joe Paterno died the athletic program would die with him. He said the hidden truth behind the program would be made public because Paterno was not there to control the information flow. How right he was and he was not talking about Jerry Sandusky. We shall see what will happen when the athletes start leaving PennState for other schools. It appears that that edict applies to ALL sports and I think a ton of guys and girls will go for greener pastures. Lose 25 experienced players plus eligibilty and graduation issues and try to replace them with second teir recruits and you will not be able to beat Duke Vanderbilt or Northwestern. That punishment will be a blow to arrogance everywhere even Ohio State.
Bobby Bowden: Winningest Coach of All Time
July 23rd, 2012
10:23 am
Jay Paterno makes my fornicating sons look like geniuses and choir boys.
Older Women Seeking Young Males = Cougars
Older Men Seeking Young Males = Nittany Lions
Remember when Joe Paterno was portrayed as the stoic, pious, law-abiding, disciplined antithesis to Jimmy Johnson and his gang of felons from Miami back in the ’80s?
Jimmy & the Canes don’t look quite so bad now, either, do they?