Penn State University affiliates and community members had the chance to hear from some former National Collegiate Athletic Association officials on Wednesday about the sanctions handed down as a result of the Sandusky scandal.

Members of the panel said the event was to educate the audience about the NCAA and how it's structured. But as the night progressed, the topic of Penn State and its recent punishment was brought to the forefront.


"There's a lot of emotion here and that's understandable," said former NCAA President Cedric Dempsey.

Dempsey and his panel sat in the State College theater and tried to bring some understanding of what the thought process was like from NCAA officials. The panel also consisted of individuals who are familiar with the university's athletics program, so it was clear the topic would turn to recent headlines.



Former NCAA President Gene Corrigan said, "I thought you guys got hit over the head with the hammer, when you could (have) got hit over the head with the newspaper."


Other members on the panel were hesitant to criticize or comment on the sanctions handed down by current NCAA President Mark Emmert, but they all agree that Penn State must look ahead.

"Move on. Get it over with. Wasting time with bitterness never made anybody any money," Corrigan said.



Before he was president of the NCAA, Corrigan served as athletic director at Notre Dame University. So he said he knows Penn State, he respects the institution and knows the university can bounce back.

"You've got a great school here," Corrigan said.


6 News had a chance to ask a few members of the panel what they thought of how the players and coaches are handling themselves this season and they agreed that they are doing a great job of just playing football and moving forward.

The event was attended by more 350 Penn State students, faculty and community members.