This Sunday, marking 6 months since Joe Paterno died of lung cancer, the 900-pound bronze statue of Penn State University’s ex-head football coach was removed. Paterno had won a record 409 games with PSU, dedicating 61 years of his life and coaching skills to their football team.
Today, the National Collegiate Athletic Association announced they’ll be fining Penn State University $60 million and banning their football team from the postseason for four years, according to CNN. Also, all football wins recorded since 1998 will be terminated, stripping Joe Paterno from being the “winningest coach” in major football college history.
The Big Ten conference also punished Penn State’s football team by banning them for participating in the Big Ten conference title game for the same four years they’re banned for the post season.
Current Penn State head football coach, Bill O’Brien, responded to the fines and punishments stating,
“Today we receive a very harsh penalty from the NCAA and as Head Coach of the Nittany Lions football program, I will do everything in my power to not only comply, but help guide the University forward to become a national leader in ethics, compliance and operational excellence. I knew when I accepted the position that there would be tough times ahead. But I am committed for the long term to Penn State and our student athletes.
I was then and I remain convinced that our student athletes are the best in the country. I could not be more proud to lead this team and these courageous and humble young men into the upcoming 2012 season. Together we are committed to building a better athletic program and university.”
Do you believe Penn State is receiving too much punishment, not enough, or are they getting what they deserve? Let us know what you think!
– John Weber (@JohnPaulWeber)
