The governor said Penn State is 'more than football' and expressed confidence the university will regain its reputation as a 'world-class' institution. Vote in the NEWS POLL.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett says a few remarks prior to the ribbon cutting May 3 of the Pratt Industries Plant in Macungie. Gov. Tom Corbett says he wants assurances that Penn State won’t spend any tax dollars on the $60 million fine levied by the NCAA.
Corbett issued a statement Monday saying he’s relieved that the association did not shut down Penn State’s football program as part of sanctions it imposed for the scandal surrounding Jerry Sandusky’s conviction on child sex-abuse charges.
Corbett blamed “the appalling actions of a few people” for damaging the university’s reputation but said officials have to accept the sanctions, which also include a four-year ban on postseason play and the erasure of 14 years of coach Joe Paterno’s victories.
The governor said Penn State is “more than football” and expressed confidence the university will regain its reputation as a “world-class” institution.
Here is Gov. Corbett's full statement on Monday:
“The appalling actions of a few people have brought us once again into the national spotlight. We have taken a monster off the streets and while we will never be able to repair the injury done to these children, we must repair the damage to this university.
"Part of that corrective process is to accept the serious penalties imposed today by the NCAA on Penn State University and its football program.
"However, as governor, I am grateful that the NCAA did not impose the ‘death penalty,’ which would have also had a severe detrimental impact on the citizens of State College, Centre County and the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
"I also want assurance from Penn State that no taxpayer dollars will be used to pay the $60 million fine imposed on the university today.
"Penn State is more than football -- it is a world-class university, providing an outstanding education to our young people in a variety of areas from scientific research and engineering, to the arts and humanities.
"I am confident that the university will move forward from this experience, complete the healing process and once again be worthy of its great reputation.”