Penn State - Are the Sanctions Right?

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

My short response is that Paterno and the AD tried to cover this up to protect the image of the football program. The football program should absolutely suffer.

[CoryWinget81]

They were warranted. If you look at it subjectively, they stopped just short of killing the program, because that would've hurt the Big 10 as a whole.

[CanDB]

Overall I am in agreement with the penalties assessed Penn State. It's hard to be a layperson and walk in thinking I know much about a much researched issue.

A few comments:

- It needed to be harsh and send a message. And it needed to basically say that no person or corporation is above the law......and never will be!
- And though I have a bit of concern for who it impacted (see next point), I believe the objective was to essentially bring Penn State to its knees, and almost start its program over again from scratch, to clean out the "culture" that got them in trouble in the first place. And if this seems too much of a penalty, think about the kids and their family and friends who may never get over this. And think of how many opportunities arose when this could have been stopped, thereby saving so many from having to endure the pain and humiliation that followed. And then think, this could have been my family.....and if you think that way, I am sure you would wish for an even harsher result.
- I do feel for all those innocent students/players (past, present and future) who may be impacted....whether it relates to their future careers and/or the stigma attached. It will be a long time before the name Penn State will be heard without some folks thinking negatively about it. BUT, on the other hand I do believe that those who have worked hard, and done the right things, will be rewarded for their effort, regardless of the "stigma".
- I hope that all aspiring players/students get to where they want (and deserve) to be.

In the end, we could analyze the details, for a long period of time, but the essence of the discipline was correct in that it made its point, and changed the direction of a very powerful organization. I just hope others who promote worngdoing for the sake of their beloved programs and revenues and such are taking note

[CanDB]

Further to.....this could be a great opportunity for Penn State to become known for other important things, such as academics. Maybe they will become known and respected even more for the good aspects of their college world. Maybe the good folks in charge will grab every chance to display positive and resourceful ways to impress upon the world that it has the right stuff, and that students should be proud to participate in its programs.....for all the right reasons.

I want to make one thing clear.....I do not know enough about this institution to pretend that I understand all that it represents. Possibly it sets high standards for academics, and for its contributions elsewhere. I do not want to underestimate its other activities. This is not a broadbrush statement about the University itself. Unfortunately many have to pay for the actions of others.

[Hadez]

I have no problem with the penalties being harsh. USC got hammered pretty bad for what Bush did and this was far worse imo.

College is a place our youth should be built up and shown many doors to having a great life. Taking advantage of our youth and then the cover after was a HORRIFIC act.

The ONLY thing I would have considered doing different is leaving the statues up of all the kids while tearing down the former coache statue.

While do feel a little for him losing the wins I really could care less in the big scheme of things we are talking about.

[Axemaster]

There is no proof Paterno knew what was going on other than "oh I'm angry so he must have". The only reason they docked wins was so Bowden could be number one. Bowden sits and says "I can't celebrate passing Joe" while he has a smirk on his face.

Penalties obviously too harsh.

I could have sworn that Joepa, last year when he was still alive, was Quoted in a Interview to the Media that when he found out, and was told what happened, he now wished he would have gone to the University and done more! Seems I also read something like that in Sports Illustrated too.

[Axemaster]

I think it's fair. They should be thanking the NCAA for not giving them the death penalty like SMU got.

And imo this is far worse than what SMU did because of the simple fact that what SMU did still goes around in the NCAA today.

I am hearing that the Sanctions they are giving penn State in some ways are actually worse.

[baphamet]

they should have gotten a 10 year death penalty or longer IMO

yeah it sucks for the players and fans that had nothing to do with it but hey, what do you expect when your school supports, protects, and enables a child rapist?

the school actually helped him rape children on their campus, i wouldn't object to a permanent ban to be honest.

its an embarrassment, its despicable, and if i was a penn st fan i don't know if i could continue being a fan.

[DevilSpawn]

Penn State should've been hit with program-crippling punishment to where it would take them a millenia or two to recover. They were in some Potato Chip Guacamole Bowl or something last year... the second annual version. They should've made them BCS ineligible for 10 years or more.

SMU had more scholarships taken from them during the same time frame. Even the fine, from what I heard, is something Penn State could make back. In my opinion, the only way to prevent current players from suffering on the Penn State team is to eliminate the team altogether.

[100%Broncoholic]

Penn State football generated around $90 million dollars last year.

Penn State is a fine academic institution and many forget that it is actually more than just a football school. Over 40000 students attend the main campus, plus a large number at branch campuses across the state. Penn State Alumni are like Steelers fans, EVERYWHERE.

Penn State is one of the Largest employers in Centre County and a loss of the university would be almost as crippling to the region as the closing of the coal mines. The region itself is looking to lose millions of $ from loss of football revenue.

It will be interesting to see how the football program recovers, but the education, which is why the school is there will remain top notch. Interesting note is they pulled in over $200 million in alumni donations this past year during yr scandal.

[100%Broncoholic]

Update on PSU football recruiting class of 2013:

http://m.espn.go.com/ncf/story?storyId=8210231

[DenverBlood]

Today the NCAA reinstated Joe Pa's wins from the Jerry Sandusky era.

Not going to start a political war on whether people think that's right or wrong. But just posting to say he reclaims his spot atop the rankings as Most wins by a D1 coach in history.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/12179571/joe-paterno-111-wins-were-vacated-restored

[InsaneBlaze23]

As it should be.

[DenverBlood]

As it should be.

Personally I agree. Because regardless of his mistakes off the field the fact is that on the field he won all those games legitimately. And to our knowledge without any form of cheating football wise.

So in my eyes you can never change what you actually saw happen on the field. Unless you prove something like steroids for half the team.

[samparnell]

Penn State won those games while Joe Paterno was Head Football Coach. Joe Paterno was part of the institutional conspiracy to cover up the child abuse by Jerry Sandusky, wasn't he? Didn't Penn State, as an institution, value football more than protecting innocent minors?