Penn State

In the wake of what seems to be one of if not the most penalizing NCAA sanctions in history, I can’t help but impose my thoughts on this issue. While it is easy to see the reason for these sanctions, I have to disagree with them. The NCAA, like everyone who has a conscience, is [insert superlative form of words that are synonymous to: appalled, disgusted, offended, etc.] at the [insert superlative form of words that are synonymous with: deplorable, reprehensible, abominable, etc.] actions of Jerry Sandusky and subsequently Joe Paterno and others that will likely come out in the existing criminal investigation. However, in my opinion, they have overstepped their bounds. The NCAA, according to its history, is to regulate the rules for collegiate sports to keep the players safe. Over the years the NCAA began expanding its influence and in recent years has come under quite a bit of scrutiny. There are varying opinions of what the NCAA has regulation over. Their recent sanctions have varied in consistency and level of penalty over similar infractions. However, this is the first time the NCAA has levied penalties on a school over a criminal offense. Most of the time the sanctions involve payments to players or improper benefits both of which can be viewed as providing an unfair advantage to one school over another. This case is starkly different. It is a criminal offense that appears to be aided by others in the football program at Penn State; therefore, the NCAA for some reason thought that it could regulate this as well. Why this concerns me is that it sets a precedent that the NCAA can now impose sanctions on a school sports program for any “violation” it deems relevant. There is no bounds to this new regulation. If I was Arkansas, I would be worried that Bobby Petrino’s recent unethical behavior that led to his firing could also lead to sanctions from the NCAA. If a player gets arrested for “extra curricular activities” as has happened in recent years to players at the University of Tennessee and the Georgia Bulldogs, can the NCAA impose sanctions on the school for their criminal behavior? There is a reason that our legal system is based on a set of checks and balances between three branches of government. No one branch has ultimate control. The NCAA though seems to be stretching its influence and broadening its regulating power. In my opinion, this is alarming. At some point, the schools, fans, players, coaches, or all of the above will demand that this change, but right now there’s no end in sight. It’s only getting worse. Where will it end? How can it be restored to a place that is healthy for schools, players, fans, coaches, and the regulating body? I don’t have the answers, but I bring up the questions, because when is a better time to start than now?