Big Ten leaders want to be part of Penn State athletic department investigation
The Big Ten Conference wants to know more about the Penn State athletic program.
Jerry Sandusky
Associated Press
The council also said it will review the grand jury reports and examine how they relate to Penn State's "institutional control, ethical conduct and/or other compliance related issues."
Ultimately, Penn State faces sanctions or other discipline from the Big Ten, the statement said.
Sandusky faces more than 50 charges of child sex abuse. The most recent grand jury report was released Wednesday and included allegations that Sandusky abused two boys he got to know through the charity he founded for at-risk boys. Sandusky was arrested Wednesday and posted bail Thursday.
The Big Ten council expressed its "sincere concern" for any of the children or families impacted by the allegations brought up against Sandusky and explained how it remains committed to examining its respective institutions to ensure the ongoing safety of children.
The council didn't make any hard conclusions regarding the Sandusky case, but explain a concern surrounding the university's lack of institutional control.
"There does appear to be sufficient information to raise significant concerns as to whether a concentration of power in a single individual or program may have threatened or eroded institutional control of intercollegiate athletics at Penn State," the statement read.
Last month, child sex-abuse charges were filed against Sandusky following a two-year grand jury investigation.
Penn State has since fired former football coach Joe Paterno and former president Graham Spanier. Athletic director Tim Curley, currently under suspension, has been charged with perjury.
Earlier this week, NCAA president Mark Emmert told reporters that the NCAA has yet to begin a formal investigation of the school, and is conducting an inquiry.
On Nov. 21, Penn State named ex-FBI director Louis Freeh to an investigative panel tasked with an independent investigation. Retired Retired Air Force Col. and astronaut Guion Bluford — a Penn State graduate — also is on the panel.
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
Comments
Rufus
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 7:28 p.m.
Reprehensible conduct. Criminal cover up from Paterno through the AD right up to the school president and the local police. If it was a conspiracy to steal money they could be prosecuted under the Ricco standards. It was a conspiracy to cover up child rape and as an effect let the rapist continue to molest children. In someways worse than murder. Molested children always face years if not a lifetime of shame, pain, and confusion about relationships. Many face a lifetime of mental illness and suffering. In some ways worse than murder.
Bulldog
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1 a.m.
Should have left it at 10 and not let Penn St. join. Not the image we need.
Mush Room
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 10:21 p.m.
That's it B1G, pile on.
kmgeb2000
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 9:37 p.m.
50 charges and still granted bail. Seems like after . . . . say the second someone might think it not a good idea.
trespass
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 9:23 p.m.
If you remember, the University of Michigan hired a law firm to conduct the investigation of NCAA violations by the football team under Rodriquez. Why? Because they could hide all of their evidence and findings under attorney/client priviliege. I wonder if Louis Freeh is also working for a law firm? If that is true, they do not want the Big 10 to participate because it will screw up their A/C privilege.