Columbus Reacts To Penn State Sanctions

As the NCAA penalties handed down to Penn State sink in over in Happy Valley following the sex abuse scandal that shocked the collegiate sports world, WOSU reports people in Columbus have strong reactions to the sanctions. “Glad it wasn’t here. We had our own little bit of a scandal and that was hard enough," Dennis Myslenski said. "But that doesn’t even touch the tip of the iceberg what happened at Penn State.â€? Myslenski, an Ohio State University alumni and fan, said the sanctions given to Penn State following the cover-up of child sex abuse by former coach Jerry Sandusky are warranted. “I mean, when it comes to child abuse like that I don’t know how harsh you can go," Myslenski said. "But I think they could do probably do a little worse if they want to make sure it doesn’t happen anymore in sports, especially college sports." The NCAA said it hopes the sanctions, which include ethics and integrity training, will eradicate the culture that led to the scandal. John Sullivan, who is visiting Ohio State from Dallas, Texas, called the sanctions adequate. "You can't get much worse than what happened at [Penn State]," Sullivan said. "So, I guess generally speaking we feel like it was fair and a beginning. [It] probably could've been worse, what was handed down, and could've been justifiably." “I hope people are more responsible," Mary Donoghue, of Columbus, said. "But I don’t think it’s going to change the [culture]…there’s a lot of money coming in from college sports. I just don’t see that mentality changing. I hope so, but I don’t see it happening.â€? In addition to the NCAA penalties – which include a $60 million fine and four years of bowl bans and scholarship losses – the Big Ten Conference announced Penn State will not be allowed to share in the conference's bowl revenue during its postseason ban. It will cost the university about $13 million. For Ohio State Ph.D. student Dana Plank, the sanctions are harsh on student-athletes. The NCAA is allowing current and incoming Penn State athletes the option to transfer. “I think it’s important they took a big stand institutionally," Plank said. "It’s just sad there wasn’t a way to only punish the institution and not have it interfere with the kids that are just wanting to play the game.â€? OSU Athletic Director Gene Smith in a statement called it “a sad dayâ€? and said, “our thoughts continue to be with the victims.â€?