NCAA emails fuel criticism of Penn State penalties
The NCAA is defending how it handled sanctions against Penn State over the Jerry Sandusky scandal, following the release of internal emails that were exchanged before the 2012 consent decree.
In one email, an NCAA official characterizes the disciplinary response to Penn State as “a bluff” and says asserting jurisdiction would be “a stretch.”
The comments have fueled criticism from Penn State’s president and others.
College sports’ governing body Thursday wouldn’t discuss the emails beyond a one-paragraph statement saying they showed “debate and thorough consideration” before the consent decree.
The penalties included a $60 million fine, a temporary bowl ban and the elimination of 112 football team wins.
The emails were disclosed in a court filing in a case brought by two state officials who sued to keep the fine money within Pennsylvania.
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