Community Corner

[POLL] Did the NCAA Do the Right Thing?

NCAA president Mark Emmert announced sanctions against Penn State University this morning — what do you think of his decision.

 

As the fallout continues in the Penn State University child abuse scandal, NCAA President Mark Emmert this morning anounced a set of punishments against the university:

  • A $60 million fine — equivalent to one year of gross revenue for the school's football program — that will be used to set up an endowment for programs to prevent child sex abuse.
  • A four-year ban from bowl games and any post-season play.
  • The loss of 20 scholarships per year for the next four years.
  • The vacation of every win dating back to 1998, which will remove former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno from the record books as the winningest coach.

Emmert issued the decision during a 9 a.m. news conference, one day after work crews removed the broze statue of the late Paterno.

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According to an investigation by former FBI Director Louis Freeh, Paterno and several PSU administrators covered up the sexual abuse committed by former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky over the course of 14 years.

Sandusky awaits sentencing on 45 counts of child sexual abuse.

Find out what's happening in East Providencewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Emmert said the penalties imposed on Penn State are more than punitive. They are structured to change the atmosphere at the school and other universities where too much emphasis is placed on athletics, allowing the power of sports to dictate an educational institution's direction.

"As the individuals charged with governing college sports, we have a responsibility to act," Emmert said. "These events should serve as a call to every single school and athletics department to take an honest look at its campus environment and eradicate the 'sports are king' mindset that can so dramatically cloud the judgment of educators."

So what do you think?

Is the punishment against Penn State fair? Or do you think the NCAA could have gone further?

Vote in our poll, and post your comments below.


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