With the recent NCAA sanctions being levied upon Joe Paterno's alma mater, I felt the need to comment on the results...
In 1987, Southern Methodist University was given the so-called "death penalty". It's penalties: a three-year bowl game and live television ban; loss of 55 new scholarships over the span of four years; various other recruiting and hiring restrictions; and of course, the cancelation of their entire 1987 season (all 1988 home games were canceled as well, but the school chose to cancel the entire season).
It was the first of its kind, and many thought the last, until last week... SMU has not been the same program since that gauntlet was thrown down -- all of some 25 years later. I don't think anyone is expecting Penn State to do much better.
PSU's sanctions, as handed down by the NCAA last week are as follows: a $60 million fine; loss of 40 new scholarships over a four year span (80 total); and a four year bowl ban -- in which the Big Ten conference will not share its bowl revenues (about $13 million).
Most people are arguing that Penn State's sanctions are much worse than the "death penalty" that was handed down to SMU all those years ago. I say it's too hard to tell/speculate right now, but if I had to guess I would argue the Nittany Lions got off easy. The $60 million fine is nothing to a school of their magnitude and the rest of their penalties are much less severe ... 15 less scholarships to be exact, and they get to continue playing. The main reason people are so outraged by the NCAA's findings is the publicity that Joe Paterno and PSU bring along with them.
Yes, it is horrible what has happened to their storied program and coach ... but does anyone out there argue that it was undeserved? Joe Paterno tarnished his own legacy because of his own actions. Now he is fifth on the all-time wins list in FBS history, instead of first. Boo-hoo. (I also like the fact that Bobby Bowden is once again the career wins leader.) Plus, Bill O'Brien clearly has the program under control somewhat. He's already gotten re-commitments from his six 2013 recruits, including his future star QB.
I consider Penn State lucky. I wish they had gotten more. What their program and Joe Paterno allowed to happen (unpunished) was a travesty to the human race. Their program may have gotten off easy, but I hope that their coach's legacy will never be what it once was. They may eventually restore his statue, maybe even his wins, but he will never be again considered the "greatest of all time".
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