Never in the history of college football has the National Collegiate Athletic Association issued penalties on a university as it did today, but then again never in the history of college football has there been a case like the Jerry Sandusky scandal.
In unprecedented action the NCAA vacated Penn State wins from the 1998-2011 seasons (which means Joe Paterno will not remain the winningest coach in history), cut scholarships from 25 to15 per year, placed a four year ban on post season play, and fined the school $60 million dollars.
Ever since the Freeh Commission report came out, there have been cries far and wide for the NCAA to take some kind of action. Even the dreaded term "death penalty" had been tossed about in print and broadcast media. Yet, while everyone agreed that Penn State was liable, some questioned if it was within the NCAA's perimeter of authority to sanction a program for a criminal/civil case that did not give the school a competitive advantage.
That question was answered today by the President of Oregon State and the NCAA Executive Committee Chairman, Edward J. Ray who said,
"Not only does the NCAA have the authority to act in this case, we also have the responsibility."
Today's news is more fallout in the sad chapter of the actions of a child predator. Jerry Sandusky injured and scarred dozens of young lives. And those who protected him have injured and scarred thousands of graduates, ex players, and fans of a once proud university.
You have to hate it for them; your heart has to go out to them. But more than that, your heart has to go out to the families and the victims of the Monster of State College.