Haven't been on the board in a minute and there have been some good points made. Every school agrees to the ethics and motility cause when they pay their NCAA dues. This is similar to a job description clause " other duties as assigned". It gives the NCAA that reach to impose penalties when their basic philosophies of membership is violated.
If Sandusky was a retired janitor with 30 years of service to the school, would he had been given an office and keys to the campus or sent home with a pat on the back. The culture of PSU says a pat on the back. The reason Sandusky was given an office was because he was a pivotal factor in creating linebacker U. If Paterno, was the janitor supervisor, would he have the power to protect Sandusky. Thus far, the answer is no.
The NCAA is looking at the culture of athletics and how it led to the complete lack of institutional control. Even before the case broke, the NCAA has been looking to "show" a balance between sport and academics. They were making stronger penalties while streamlining the NCAA manual. This is the first major case for Emmeret to weigh in on, so expect the worse for PSU. This is the case where the NCAA can show that the "culture" of athletics is not bigger than upholding basic moral virtues.
As per NCAA rules, PSU athletes will have the option to transfer without penalties to their eligibility status.
