The settlement of the case between Corman/McCord and NCAA/Penn State is a major step forward. Here's why.
NOW WE HAVE THE NCAA OFF OUR BACKS. With the consent decree repealed, the
sanctions are gone and we are not on probation. We knew this would happen eventually anyway, but by repealing the sanctions - something that almost never happens - the NCAA is demonstrating they know they have no leg to stand on.
sanctions are gone and we are not on probation. We knew this would happen eventually anyway, but by repealing the sanctions - something that almost never happens - the NCAA is demonstrating they know they have no leg to stand on.
BUT WHY DON'T WE GET TO KEEP THE $60 MILLION? I wanted the money back. It was clear that was not going to happen. So, fine. Our university can help the children of Pennsylvania. $12 million stays at Penn State for research on prevention of child abuse, in whatever way we choose. Those folks doing this work -- the Penn State Network on Child Protection
and Well-Being - are making a real difference.
and Well-Being - are making a real difference.
On the down side, it is unfair to remove "all" the sanctions and yet make us pay a fine, and the people who say that the fine makes us look guilty have a point. We can at least take some comfort in the fact that the money will be spent in ways that will attack a horrible problem in our society.
WHEN DOES THE NCAA GET THEIR COMEUPPANCE? Today, and every day from now on, because people who are paying attention know that they had to cave because they were wrong. I know they are spinning the situation in the media, but the settlement we signed does not say they "acted" in good faith in sanctioning us. It said they had a legitimate and good faith "interest" in the Jerry Sandusky matter. Well, sure, they're the NCAA, they have an "interest" in understanding any problematic event at a member school. I don't love the language but that's all it says. We "Nine" would never, ever have voted in favor of any agreement saying they "acted" in good faith when they imposed the sanctions. Corman held tight on that for us. Please understand, I will never forgive and forget hearing my school referred to as "road kill" - but now that they are reaping what they sowed, natural consequences will take over from here.
WITHOUT A TRIAL, HOW WILL WE FIND OUT THE ANSWERS TO ALL OUR QUESTIONS? It has been quite informative to see the materials coming out of discovery and depositions in this case. But, as much as we all wanted a front row seat at the trial, we pretty much know what happened and how it happened. The NCAA behaved despicably towards once of
its member institutions, and now everybody knows it. As Senator Corman stressed in his press
conference, there is more yet to come out. We don't need a trial to get it. We will learn even more from the Paterno suit, and we will pursue any other necessary strategies until we are satisfied we understand all we need to know.
its member institutions, and now everybody knows it. As Senator Corman stressed in his press
conference, there is more yet to come out. We don't need a trial to get it. We will learn even more from the Paterno suit, and we will pursue any other necessary strategies until we are satisfied we understand all we need to know.
WILL THE NARRATIVE EVER GET CHANGED? Yes, because we are not finished, and we will
keep working together as long as it takes. This settlement was one step. I believe it is a tipping point, and that the justice we are seeking will now come, in time. But there is no perfect outcome in a situation like this. We all know that some things can never be undone.
But to the best of our collective abilities, we will restore honor to our university, and we will do it by continuing to work hard and by remembering who we are and where we come from. I am very encouraged by this settlement, but, like a famous coach who won 409 games stressed to his players, I am trying not to dance in the end zone and instead act like I've been here before. Thanks to you all for letting me represent you on our board. It is difficult work, but it is always an honor and a privilege to serve Penn State.
And please join me in thanking Senator Corman and Treasurer McCord for doing the heavy lifting that resulted in an outcome far better than we could have imagined
keep working together as long as it takes. This settlement was one step. I believe it is a tipping point, and that the justice we are seeking will now come, in time. But there is no perfect outcome in a situation like this. We all know that some things can never be undone.
But to the best of our collective abilities, we will restore honor to our university, and we will do it by continuing to work hard and by remembering who we are and where we come from. I am very encouraged by this settlement, but, like a famous coach who won 409 games stressed to his players, I am trying not to dance in the end zone and instead act like I've been here before. Thanks to you all for letting me represent you on our board. It is difficult work, but it is always an honor and a privilege to serve Penn State.
And please join me in thanking Senator Corman and Treasurer McCord for doing the heavy lifting that resulted in an outcome far better than we could have imagined
