The battle between Pennsylvania officials and the NCAA is turning into a legal sparring match with another blow delivered today. Lawyers for Governor Tom Corbett and State Treasurer Rob McCord filed papers in federal court. They’re asking to have the NCAA’s lawsuit dismissed.
The legal battle began after the NCAA hit Penn State with a $60 million fine in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal. That sum is earmarked for programs that prevent child abuse or provide help to child abuse victims. Pennsylvania’s legislature recently approved a new law that would prevent the NCAA from spending that money out of state.
Attorneys for the governor argue the NCAA’s federal lawsuit should be thrown out because the federal court lacks jurisdiction in the case. The NCAA contends that the new Pennsylvania law requiring fines to remain inside the state is unconstitutional.
Also today, State Senator Jake Corman (R-Centre County) filed a Motion to Intervene. Sen. Corman is asking the federal judge in this case to add him as a defendant. A source in Sen. Corman’s office says it’s “common practice in the senate to intervene when a senate bill is challenged.” Penn State’s main campus is included in Corman’s senate district.
Former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky, is now serving a minimum of 30 years in state prison for sexually abusing young boys.
