BELLEFONTE – U.S. Reps. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5) and Charlie Dent (PA-15) have issued the following statement in response to the decision by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Executive Committee to gradually restore the scholarships that were rescinded from Penn State University in July of 2012.
“Despite the NCAA’s decision to gradually restore these scholarships, the initial decision to take punitive action against innocent students remains completely unjustified and only serves to harm past, present and future academic achievers,” said Thompson. “The resiliency of the students, alumni and community during this very challenging time has been inspirational.”
“While I am glad to see the NCAA revisit its arbitrary and capricious punishment of innocent student athletes, the remaining scholarships should be restored immediately,” Dent said. “Restoring all of the scholarships will allow more student athletes the opportunity to graduate from a top-rated university.”
Dent and Thompson had previously requested that the NCAA reinstate the 40 scholarship rescission imposed upon the university, repeatedly challenging the decision as misdirected and in complete contradiction of the association’s mission, which is to promote access to higher education.
The NCAA bypassed its own procedures when it issued sanctions on Penn State. Dent and Thompson have called for greater accountability and oversight of the NCAA, its decision in this case and other enforcements.
In August, Dent introduced H.R. 2903, the NCAA Accountability Act, which would standardize the enforcement process currently utilized by the NCAA. Thompson is an original cosponsor of H.R. 2903.