Many have opinions about NCAA sanctions on Penn State

Soon after the NCAA announced its sanctions against Penn State Monday morning, reaction flowed in. Here is a sampling of it:

Excerpt of statement by the Paterno family in response to the NCAA sanctions:

“The point of due process is to protect against this sort of reflexive action. Joe Paterno was never interviewed by the University or the [Louis] Freeh Group. His counsel has not been able to interview key witnesses as they are represented by counsel related to ongoing litigation. We have had no access to the records reviewed by the Freeh Group. The NCAA never contacted our family or our legal counsel. And the fact that several parties have pending trials that could produce evidence and testimony relevant to this matter has been totally discounted.

“Unfortunately all of these facts have been ignored by the NCAA, the Freeh Group and the University.”

Excerpt of statement from Penn State president Rodney Erickson:

“It is important to know we are entering a new chapter at Penn State and making necessary changes. We must create a culture in which people are not afraid to speak up, management is not compartmentalized, all are expected to demonstrate the highest ethical standards, and the operating philosophy is open, collegial, and collaborative.”

Excerpt of statement by Gov. Tom Corbett on the NCAA penalties:

“I also want assurance from Penn State that no taxpayer dollars will be used to pay the $60 million fine imposed on the university today. Penn State is more than football—it is a world-class university, providing an outstanding education to our young people in a variety of areas from scientific research and engineering, to the arts and humanities. I am confident that the university will move forward from this experience, complete the healing process and once again be worthy of its great reputation.”

Excerpt of statement from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni:

“Penn State does not need the NCAA to issue sanctions regarding the Sandusky scandal; Penn State needs its trustees to step up and address the egregious actions themselves. Not only do the sanctions undermine the board, but they unduly punish innocent students and athletes who had no part in the tragedy or ensuing cover-up.”

Excerpt of statement from Penn Staters for Responsible Stewardship:

“Today, by enabling yet another knee-jerk reaction—this time by the NCAA—the Penn State Board of Trustees has egregiously failed every single one of its constituents. It is beyond comprehension how the NCAA can possibly believe it has the power to control events that do not violate NCAA rules, nor how the NCAA can issue punishment without ever even launching an investigation in accordance with their own rules.”

Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby, at the conference’s media day:

“The one piece that I was surprised at was the magnitude of the fine. And I’d like to hear a little bit more about how that number was derived. I don’t know that it is absolutely clear on what basis this becomes an NCAA issue. Having said that, there are certainly elements of our constitution and bylaws that go right to the heart of ethics, and clearly there are some ethical issues here. I think perhaps the lesson that will be taken away from it is that things can get pretty far afield when there are people running the show that don’t ever get frank feedback and don’t ever have anybody push back against them in terms of re-centering their decision processes.”

Reaction to NCAA sanctions on Penn State via Twitter:

Former Penn State defensive back Adam Taliaferro: “NCAA says games didn’t exist..I got the metal plate in my neck to prove it did..I almost died playing 4 PSU..punishment or healing?!?”

Penn State wrestling coach Cael Sanderson: “Penn State is much bigger than the actions of a few. Take medicine. March forward.”

Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley: “No matter what yall think of the penn st sanctions, lets all remember whats MOST important here; which is 2 think about the victims…”