The NCAA chose not to hit Penn State’s scandal-ridden football program with the so-called “death penalty,” but the expansive list of sanctions over the next four years could have a similar effect.
From a massive fine to vacating victories from 14 seasons, the NCAA issued a wide swath of penalties Monday that could cripple one of college football’s most iconic programs for some time.
Among the penalties . . .
• $60 million fine: An amount roughly equivalent to one year of gross revenue from the football program that will be given to an endowment for “programs preventing child abuse and/or assisting the victims of child sexual abuse.”
• 112 vacated wins: The Nittany Lions were stripped of every victory from 1998-2011, dropping head coach Joe Paterno from his status as the winningest coach in major college football history.
• Loss of bowl revenue: Penn State’s estimated Big Ten share of $13 million over four years will be donated to “established charitable organizations in Big Ten communities dedicated to the protection of children.”
• Loss of 20 scholarships per season for four years: Penn State will only be allowed to sign 15 recruits per year through the 2016 season — 10 fewer than most teams — and are limited to 65 total scholarship players through 2017.
• Transfer rules waiver: Current Penn State players can immediately transfer to another school without having to sit out the requisite year.
• Four-year postseason ban: Penn State cannot compete in the Big Ten championship game or any bowl or playoff contest until after 2016.
Post columnist Mike Wise believes the NCAA missed an opportunity to issue a resounding message, instead perpetuating the need for college football to continue in Happy Valley no matter what.
Fellow Post columnist Tracee Hamilton disagreed, saying NCAA President Mark Emmert flexed its muscle by issuing the sanctions without a hearing before the Committee on Infractions.
What’s your take?
Follow us: @MattBrooksWP | @CindyBoren
More
Penn State punishment: wins from ‘98-’11 vacated, $60 million fine
Document: Penn State’s NCAA sanctions
Joe Paterno stripped of 111 victories, no longer No. 1
Mike Wise: NCAA fails to send right message
Tracee Hamilton: NCAA’s sanctions show surprising muscle
Sally Jenkins: The truth is, Joe Paterno lied
Loading...
Comments