The debate on whether or not the sanctions handed down to Penn State by the NCAA are warranted has been ongoing with Penn Staters and college football fans alike over the last several days. But one area that hasn't been often discussed is whether President Rodney Erickson -- without approval from the Board of Trustees -- had the authority to sign the agreement with the NCAA essentially accepting the sanctions without even a whimper of a fight.
Earlier this morning, a group of Penn State football players led by linebacker Mike Mauti and fullback Mike Zordich gave remarks on the practice field outside the Lasch Building to reaffirm their commitment to Penn State.
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Penn State quarterback Matt McGloin (@McGloinQB11) tweeted earlier today a poignant and inspirational statement about his commitment to Penn State, which he calls the "greatest football program in America". Before the scandal broke in November, McGloin was often been criticized for his leadership ability as much as his play on the field. After this statement, no one should be making those claims anymore.
ESPN Outside the Lines obtained a letter sent by former Penn State President Graham Spanier to the Board of Trustees addressing his role in the failure to report Sandusky's abuse. In the letter, he blasts the Freeh report, and denies many of the claims contained in the report.
Surprise, surprise. The Paterno family released a statement following the NCAA announcement of severe football sanctions against Penn State. The statement can be found here.