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Penn State sanctions leave many with mixed emotions

Penn State

The National Collegiate Athletic Association left few stones unturned Monday morning as they unveiled the much-anticipated Penn State sanctions in response to the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

The sanctions announced are as follows:

$60 million fine – This is a light fine considering the amount of revenue the university generates annually from the football program.
Four-year postseason band – NO. BOWL. GAMES.
Four-year reduction of grants-in-aid – Scholarships down the drain.
Five years of probation – PSU athletics must be on its BEST behavior during this time.
Vacation of wins since 1998 – Joe Pa is no longer atop the list of winningest coaches. Welcome, back Eddie Robinson.
Waiver of transfer rules and grant-in-aid retention – Nittany Lions football players are free to leave, without penalty. No need to red shirt.
Individual penalties to be determined – This means the NCAA can investigate the scandal on its own and act as it sees fit. Basically, more heads can roll.

Several Freeh Report recommendations will also be implemented, such as the creation of an Athletics Integrity Agreement.

Full details of the sanctions can be found HERE.

Penn State president Rodney Erickson released a statement in response to the NCAA’s decision and must be commended for acknowledging the victims of Jerry Sandusky first.

The tragedy of child sexual abuse that occurred at our University altered the lives of innocent children. Today, as every day, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the victims of Mr. Sandusky and all other victims of child abuse.

That one statement sums it all up.

This situation and its ramifications are ALL about the children whose innocence was criminally and sexually taken away by Jerry Sandusky.

No other argument is relevant.

Anyone who is angered should put away their foolish pride, and place themselves in the shoes of these families and in the minds of those babies, at that time, for once.

These mixed emotions floating around must disappear. Yes, current players will suffer as a result of these sanctions, as will the university — they stand to lose millions of dollars. And, lets not forget the dedicated university employees and businesses in the area who rely on PSU football for their livelihood. But, the end game is just. Just know, it could have been far worse. Penn State could have been stripped of its football program for good.

Its truly a sad situation all the way around, but it had to happen. Dances with the devil aren’t free.

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