The NCAA has spoken, and while it did not give Penn State’s football program the Death Penalty, it may as well have: with the penalties handed down today, the Nittany Lions will not be able to field a Top 25 team for years.
- $60 Million fine
- Four year post-season ban
- Scholarship reduction from 25 to 15 for four years.
- Wins vacated from 1998-2011
- Five years probation
Additionally, current players will be able to transfer to other schools and have immediate eligibility.
According to NCAA president Mark Emmert, the fine represents about one year of revenue from the football program, and that the proceeds paid to the NCAA will go to children’s causes.
David Jones of the Harrisburg Patriot News said that Penn State will not appeal the penalty:
Whatever sanctions are handed down against Penn State this morning by NCAA President Mark Emmert and his executive committee, I have been assured they will not be appealed or substantively challenged.
That tells me one thing: A deal has been cut between the NCAA and Penn State University. And Penn State was in possibly the worst bargaining position in the history of NCAA infractions.
According to ESPN, Joe Paterno’s coaching record will reflect the vacated wins — and thus reducing his overall win record, which was formerly ranked number one all-time. Â Paterno will drop to #12 all time, with 298 wins, down from 409.
