The National Collegiate Athletic Association has agreed not to disburse or dissipate any of the $12 million that has already been paid by Penn State toward its fine from the organization due to the lawsuit filed by Sen. Jake Corman, R-Centre.
Corman recently introduced the legislation that would keep the sanction money in the state. Penn State paid the first installment of the $60 million fine last month.
Corman said in a press release Thursday that he believes the money from the fine should stay in Pennsylvania. Corman said that the Pennsylvania Task Force on Child Protection listed “many worthwhile organizational avenues” in Pennsylvania where the $60 million should go.
"I believe keeping the money is Pennsylvania is not only appropriate, but also will significantly help the state achieve the goals and preparedness the Task Force spells out,” Corman said.
Scott Sikorski, legislative director for Corman, said the senator is pleased with the NCAA’s decision not to disburse the funds yet.
Corman supports the idea behind the money going to child protection centers, and if $60 million will be raised in Pennsylvania to help centers in Pennsylvania, a suggestion might be to match the money and spread it nationally, Sikorski said.
“The NCAA is raising money within Pennsylvania so the money should stay within Pennsylvania,” Sikorski said. “If the NCAA was raising the money nationally, we wouldn’t have a problem with that.”
Sikorski also said the senator has not been working with the task force he referred to in the release.
According to the joint stipulation for preliminary injunction, the NCAA has agreed to notify Corman within 60 days before they plan to disburse the money.
Some Penn State Board of Trustees members voiced their opinion on the fine money after their regularly scheduled committee meetings Thursday.
Trustee Sam Hayes said he believes the money from the sanctions should be kept in Pennsylvania.
“The sanctions were harsh, and Pennsylvania revenue should be used for purposes it was intended for the commonwealth,” Hayes said.
Trustee Anthony Lubrano said that based on his speculation, he believes the money will remain in Pennsylvania.
“My sense is when that all is done, that the money will end up staying in the state,” he said.
