The family of late Penn State University football coach Joe Paterno is suing the NCAA for its disciplinary actions in the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal, according to USA Today.
Sandusky, former assistant football coach under Paterno, was found guilty of 45 counts of child sex abuse in 2012.
Once the NCAA was informed of the scandal, the organization investigated the school and used its findings, along with the independent Freeh report, to institute penalties against Penn State. Penalties included scholarship reductions, a bowl ban, stripping their record-holding wins and a $60 million fine.
USA Today reported the lawsuit will be announced Wednesday night on "Costas Tonight", broadcaster Bob Costas' 11 p.m. show on NBC Sports Network.
Spokesman for "Costas Tonight" Adam Freifeld told USA Today that the show was taped Tuesday, and the lawsuit will be announced by Paterno family attorney Wick Sollers, former Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh and family spokesman Dan McGinn.
Spokesperson for the NCAA Stacey Osburn confirmed to USA Today that the NCAA has yet to see a lawsuit and will comment once there is official documents.
Penn State University released the following statement Wednesday:
"The University is not a party to any lawsuit against the NCAA that may be filed by the Paterno family. Penn State remains committed to full compliance with the Consent Decree and the Athletics Integrity Agreement. We look forward to continuing to work with Sen. George Mitchell and recognize the important role that intercollegiate athletics provides for our student athletes and the wider University community. Penn State maintains an unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity in all aspects of our University and continues to be a world-class educational institution of which our students, faculty, staff and alumni can be justifiably proud."
After all the allegations of Penn State and its football program, the Paterno family demanded an appeal of NCAA sanctions. Reportedly, the appeal stated the NCAA's disciplinary decisions were made in a "fundamentally inappropriate and unprecedented manner."
According to various reports, the Paterno's lawsuit will be the third since NCAA instituted the penalties against Penn State.
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