The NCAA has leveled extremely harsh sanctions against the Penn State football program. NCAA president Mark Emmert held a lengthy news conference in which he outlined the sanctions for the program.
Penalties include:
- $60 million fine
- 4-year postseason ban
- vacation of all wins dating back to 1998
- A reduction of 10 initial and 20 total scholarships over a 4-year period
The career win total for Joe Paterno will now be significantly less as a result of the vacation, which means that he will no longer be the all-time winningest coach in college football history.
Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien released a statement on the penalties:
“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.”