NCAA Critics Give Thumbs Up to Decision to Ease Sanctions Against Penn State Football

The NCAA’s decision to gradually restore scholarships that were stripped from Penn State’s football program is getting a generally positive response from critics.

Of course, there’s no shortage of people who feel the NCAA’s latest move doesn’t go far enough.

Tuesday morning, the NCAA announced plans to reinstate five additional scholarships next season.

The number of scholarships will increase each year until the maximum number of 85 total football scholarships is reached in 2016-17.

The NCAA also held out the possibility that a ban on bowl appearances might also be reversed, but not in time for bowls at the end of the current year. In a news release the NCAA says the decision to ease sanctions is due to Penn State’s, “continued progress toward ensuring athletics integrity.”

Dan McGinn, a spokesperson for the Paterno family released a statement, calling the reduction in sanctions welcome news. However, the statement also takes a swipe at the NCAA, saying, “it has become clear to open minded people that the Freeh Report is deeply flawed and the actions by the NCAA were precipitous and unjust. This action begins to correct the mistakes of the Board of Trustees, Mr Freeh and the NCAA.

The statement goes on to say, “The ultimate resolution to this tragic episode is a full and fair review of the record. A transparent process that respects due process will serve the best interests of the victims, the university, the NCAA and all other affected parties.”

Penn Staters for Responsible Stewardship has been a harsh critic of the NCAA’s actions. PS4RS spokesperson Maribeth Roman Schmidt says, “Perhaps recognizing the enormity of its error, particularly in light of the thorough debunking of the Freeh Report, the NCAA has taken the first step toward repairing some of the damage that it and Penn State’s leaders have inflicted on Penn State.”

PS4RS calls on the NCAA to rescind all sanctions, including a $60 million fine. The group also wants the NCAA to retract “offensive statements” about the Penn State culture.

Penn State Board of Trustees member, Anthony Lubrano says he’s happy for the student-athletes who will have the opportunity to get a Penn State education. However, he says, “Flip side is that it’s just not enough. For me the NCAA must acknowledge that it overstepped its authority.”

Lubrano says that’s why he joined the Paterno family lawsuit. That lawsuit was filed against the NCAA as well as NCAA President Mark Emmert and former Chairman of the NCAA Executive Committee Ed Ray. They are being sued for breach of contract, intentional interference with contractual relations, civil conspiracy, defamation and commercial disparagement. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for October 29 at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte.

State Representative Scott Conklin (D-Centre) issued a statement calling the NCAA’s actions great news. Conklin says, “I am pleased for the student athletes who were unjustly punished for deeds not their own.”

Conklin is urging Penn State to take steps to become more transparent.

As you might imagine, many Penn State fans are pleased with the NCAA’s change of heart. William Ridgway of Philipsburg says, “I think it’s a long time coming. It should have happened a long time ago. It should never have happened in my opinion.”

A man who asked to be identified only as a Joe Paterno booster told StateCollege.com, “The NCAA was obviously out of line. I thought it was unfair they were able to levy such harsh fines.”

Related stories:

Penn State Football: NCAA to Reduce Scholarship Related Sanctions Starting in 2014

Penn State Football: University Responds To NCAA Sanction Reductions

Sanction Reductions Welcome News For Penn State, But Questions Remain