Here is the form letter one receives from Senator Casey
Dear M__. _____:
Thank you for taking the time to contact me about sanctions issued by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) against Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). I appreciate hearing from you about this issue.
I am deeply distressed by the numerous incidents of child abuse committed by Pennsylvania State University football assistant coach Jerry Sandusky and saddened by the harm done to his victims.
On July 12, 2012, an independent investigation commissioned by the Penn State Board of Trustees and led by former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Louis Freeh issued its findings. This report stated that since the first alleged incident of abuse occurred in 1998, there existed “total and consistent disregard by the most senior leaders at Penn States for the safety and welfare of Sandusky’s child victims.” The report then detailed efforts by top administration and athletics officials to cover up child abuse and went on to make a series of recommendations for the university.
As you may know, the NCAA is the governing association of higher education athletic programs. Guided by the findings of the Freeh Report, on July 23, 2012, the NCAA issued penalties to Penn State, including:
· $60 million in fines, to be invested in an endowment for programs unaffiliated with Penn State that work to prevent child sexual abuse or assisting victims;
· A four-year ban on postseason football play in college bowl games;
·The vacation of all Penn State football victories from 1998-2011;
· A reduction in football scholarships from 25 to 15.
I have heard from many Pennsylvanians who wish to express their views on the Penn State allegations and the recent penalties. Some have raised concern that these sanctions are too harsh or adversely affect members of the Penn State community who were not parties to the criminal acts that occurred. Others, however, have argued that these penalties are necessary given the gravity of the situation. I believe that while these consequences may be tough, they are necessary. As your United States Senator, I am unable to take any direct action on this matter. However, please be assured that I will carefully monitor the situation and the impact of the sanctions on Penn State. We must work together to heal our community, ensure that the victims receive the help that they need, and ensure that no more children are abused.
Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future about this or any other matter of importance to you.
If you have access to the Internet, I encourage you to visit my web site, http://casey.senate.gov/. I invite you to use this online office as a comprehensive resource to stay up-to-date on my work in Washington, request assistance from my office or share with me your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you and to Pennsylvania.
Sincerely,
Bob Casey
United States Senator
P.S. If you would like to respond to this message, please use the contact form on my website: http://casey.senate.gov/contact/