Topics

More

Spanier Requests Stay in Defamation Lawsuit Against Freeh

Graham Spanier is asking the courts to delay his defamation lawsuit against Louis Freeh until the criminal case against the former Penn State president is finished.

Spanier’s attorney, Elizabeth Ainslie, writes in legal documents filed Monday that Spanier would be “greatly prejudiced” if the civil suit were to continue at the same time of the criminal proceedings.

Spanier claims that Louis Freeh made numerous baseless and derogatory remarks in his report which states that Spanier, “repeatedly concealed critical facts relating to Sandusky’s child abuse from the authorities [PSU’s] Board of Trustees, the Penn State community and the public at large.” Spanier’s attorneys say those allegations are both false and defamatory.

Spanier is seeking monetary damages. Spanier is also asking for a jury trial in his civil case.

Ainslie writes that there might be overlap in witnesses called in the civil and criminal proceedings, and some might refuse to testify by pleading the Fifth Amendment. Ainslie argues that could adversely affect the ability to properly litigate Spanier’s claims.

Spanier is charged with perjury, endangering the welfare of children, failure to report, criminal conspiracy and obstruction of justice forĀ  allegedly concealing reports about Jerry Sandusky’s child sex abuse. Two other administrators — former Athletic Director Tim Curley and former Senior Vice President for Finance and Business Gary Schultz — are also charged with the same offenses.

A trial date has not been set but the case is expected to go to court sometime next year. All three men maintain their innocence.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

StateCollege.com

Posts from our partner website StateCollege.com.

Penn State Women’s Volleyball Freshman Gabrielle Nichols Selected To USA U19 Team

The middle blocker was named to the 12-player roster.

Penn State Baseball Lands Three On ABCA All-Region Teams

All three landed on the East Region’s Second Team.

Report: Penn State Signs Private Capital Deal With Elevate

Penn State and UCLA reportedly become the first two athletic departments to take on private capital.

113kFollowers
64.6kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by StateCollege.com

Public Notice Law Needs Modernization, But Newspaper Bill Would Hurt Taxpayers

Competition is an American virtue, and HB 1291 is an affront to this democratic value. PNA spins the bill as increasing government transparency, but at best, it would have a negligible impact on transparency.

Penn State Targets Football Ticket Brokers As Renewal Process Begins

Medical Marijuana Dispensary To Open At Former Home D Location