Penn St. trustees vote to stay course on sanctions

A divided Penn State board is endorsing a potential legal settlement that would keep its $60 million fine over the Jerry Sandusky scandal within Pennsylvania, and members are also expressing support for continued compliance with the consent decree imposed by the NCAA.

The trustees voted 19-to-8 Wednesday to express what they think should happen as Pennsylvania officials and the NCAA negotiate a possible deal to end a Commonwealth Court lawsuit over the use of the money.

Much of the debate focused on a statement that the university “remains committed to full compliance with the consent decree,” which included the fine, a multi-year ban on postseason play and a temporary loss of football scholarships.

The lawsuit in question is one of three pending legal disputes concerning the consent decree.