Lawmakers Push For PSU

STATE COLLEGE, CENTRE COUNTY - Two US Congressmen from Pennsylvania are asking the NCAA to give scholarships back to Penn State.

Glenn Thompson (R-5th District) and Charlie Dent (R-15th District), both Republican US Congressmen, have written a letter to the NCAA President. The letter asks the association to reinstate the 40 scholarships stripped from Penn State. It was one of the sanctions handed down against the school this past summer in response to the cover-up after the Sandusky scandal.

The letter from the Congressmen argues that the scholarship sanction unfairly impacts future students who weren't involved in the Sandusky scandal.

Devan Kochersperger's from State College. He's graduated from Penn State in 2012. He's a fan for life.

"I think a lot of people feel that we deserve this punishment. And I think that's a fair view. A lot of people don't agree and I think that's fair as well."

The letter to Dr. Mark Emmert, the President of the NCAA says the sanctions showed Emmert wanted to make sure that "...Football will never again be placed above educating..."

But the Congressmen argue that Penn State football gradates 91% of their players, 2nd best in the Big Ten, and 7th in the country (FBS Schools).

Congressman Glenn Thompson says that "...This decision runs contrary to the NCAA's goals as an organization, which have been to emphasize and promote access to higher education..."

Thompson goes on to say that "...Innocent student athletes who had nothing to do with the crimes that took place do not deserve to be punished..."

As for Kochersperger, he thinks the NCAA's bullied Penn State along with other schools. He grew up watching the Nittany Lions. He thinks beating the NCAA and getting 40 scholarships, can equate to wins on the field.

"The one that does the most damage is probably the bowl ban. But when it comes to ability on the field, obviously the scholarships are going to matter the most..."

The final paragraph of the letter begins by saying: "Hurting student-athletes by denying them access to higher education will do nothing to account for Jerry Sandusky's crimes..."

As of now the NCAA hasn't released a response to the letter.