Penn State Scholarships To Be Restored By NCAA

On Tuesday, The NCAA announced it would gradually restore the Penn State University football scholarships originally revoked in 2012.

Penn State had all of its football scholarships revoked, and was fined $60 million by the NCAA as punishment after the Jerry Sandusky scandal. Sandusky, the college’s former head coach, was charged on 52 counts of child molestation last year. He was found guilty on 45 of the counts, some dating back to the 1970’s.

On Tuesday, the NCAA announced it would begin to gradually restore Penn State’s football scholarships because of the universities, “continued progress toward ensuring athletics integrity.” However, the $60 million fine and the school’s postseason ban will remain in effect.

By the 2016-17 academic school year, Penn State will have all 85 sports scholarships back. Coach Bill O’Brien released this statement:

“As a staff, we are especially pleased for our players, who have proven themselves to be a resilient group of young men who are able to look ahead, focus and overcome adversity. Penn State has long been known for graduating its student-athletes and providing them with a world class education. The scholarship additions will allow us to provide more student-athletes with a tremendous opportunity to earn that degree and play football for Penn State.”

The Jerry Sandusky scandal is a sticky situation, and the gradual restoration of Penn State’s football scholarships will not make everyone happy.

At the end of the day though, it’s the NCAA’s decision. It appears they are happy with the progress Penn State has made to gain back its former respectability, and are choosing not to punish incoming student athletes for sins of the past.

Do you agree with the NCAA’s decision to restore Penn State’s football scholarships?

[image via Wikimedia Commons]