NCAA responds to Corbett’s Penn State sanctions lawsuit

The NCAA on Wednesday responded to a federal antitrust lawsuit filed by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett, who contends college athletics’ governing body overstepped its authority by imposing hefty sanctions on Penn State in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child molestation scandal.

Donald M. Remy, NCAA Executive Vice President and General Counsel, expressed disappointment with Corbett’s action, calling the lawsuit meritless and an “affront” to Sandusky’s victims.

“We are disappointed by the Governor’s action [Wednesday]. Not only does this forthcoming lawsuit appear to be without merit, it is an affront to all of the victims in this tragedy — lives that were destroyed by the criminal actions of Jerry Sandusky,” Remy said. “While the innocence that was stolen can never be restored, Penn State has accepted the consequences for its role and the role of its employees and is moving forward. The announcement by the Governor is a setback to the University’s efforts.”

Corbett contends the university and the state have been harmed by what he called “harsh penalties” over the abuse committed by Sandusky, a former assistant football coach.

The 43-page complaint accuses the NCAA of exploiting the Sandusky case, saying its real motives are to “gain leverage in the court of public opinion, boost the reputation and power of the NCAA’s president, enhance the competitive position of certain NCAA members, and weaken a fellow competitor.”

For more information on the Penn State case: http://ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/ncaa/resources/latest+news/2012/j…