Topic: National Collegiate Athletic Association

Pennsylvania suing NCAA over Penn State sanctions. Does it have a case?

Gov. Corbett says the NCAA sanctions against Penn State in the Sandusky case irreparably harm Pennsylvania. One hurdle for the lawsuit: The university did not challenge the punishment.

Gov. Tom Corbett to sue NCAA over Penn State sanctions

The Republican governor scheduled a Wednesday news conference on the Penn State campus in State College to announce the filing in US District Court in Harrisburg.

Sports in 2012: here are some Monitor highlights

It’s impossible to list all the records set in 2012, but here’s a short rundown of some heralded highlights, plus 20 of our favorites, including some you might have missed.

The Monitor's View: Take steroids out of college football

An in-depth investigation shows that despite avowals to the contrary, college football programs are rife with the use of illegal steroids. A tougher stand is needed.

Jim Boeheim joins college basketball’s exclusive 900-wins fraternity

In his 37th season at Syracuse, Jim Boeheim now looks to overtake Bobby Knight (902 wins) on the list of all-time winningest coaches. Jim Boeheim is also chasing Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, who currently has 936 wins.

Why Jim Boeheim celebrated 900th win with a gun control speech

Jim Boeheim notched his 900th win as a Division 1 basketball coach. But Boeheim used the moment to advocate for tougher gun laws.

Larry Bird: 10 quotes on his birthday

On his 56th birthday, here are 10 quotes from the basketball player.

Finding my voice

How a shy, quiet child became a superloud fan.

They may have voted to legalize, but marijuana restrictions remain for students

In November, Washington and Colorado voted to allow adults over 21 to possess and use small amounts of marijuana legally. But at universities, which receive federal funding, smoking pot will remain a punishable offense.

How Grinnell College player set NCAA scoring record, 138 points in a game (+video)

Jack Taylor, a 5-foot-10 guard at Grinnell College, hit 18 three-point shots in the last 20 minutes of the game. His total of 138 points helped Grinnell College beat Faith Baptist Bible 179-104 Tuesday.

Was Penn State's former president part of a 'conspiracy of silence'? (+video)

Penn State University's former president Graham Spanier became the highest ranking official charged in the Sandusky sex abuse scandal on Thursday. Two other formerly high-ranking Penn State officials face similar charges. 

How to become an NFL referee? Start early.

Refereeing high school and college games is the way to work through the ranks. But it takes years – and some help – to become an NFL referee or MLB umpire.

Penn State holds child abuse prevention conference

Still picking up the pieces after the Jerry Sandusky molestation scandal, Penn State will hold a three-day conference on preventing child abuse. Notable participants will include Elizabeth Smart and Sugar Ray Leonard.

The Monitor's View: New Jersey's bad call on sports betting

New Jersey plans to allow sports betting early next year in defiance of federal law and possible corruption of the culture of sports. The state even admits such gambling would harm its own teams.

Can eight touchdowns in one game win the Heisman?

West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith staked a claim to college football’s top award with an extraordinary passing game Saturday vs. Baylor.

NFL 2012: a banner year for rookie quarterbacks

Encouraged by the success of Carolina’s Cam Newton and Cincinnati’s Andy Dalton last season, five teams hand the offensive controls to five players fresh out of the college ranks.

Penn State football: A dozen questions as the post-Paterno era begins

This year will be the most closely watched football season in the history of Penn State. The post-Paterno era comes with many questions. Here are 12.

Ousted Penn State president ridicules Sandusky report (+video)

The former president of Penn State criticized the university-backed report on the Jerry Sandusky scandal, calling the judge behind the report a 'biased investigator.'

Family pushed Penn State football coach Joe Paterno to read Sandusky report

Joe Paterno had to be prodded by his family to read the grand jury report regarding Jerry Sandusky and did not understand some of its graphic terminology, according to a new book.

Chapter & Verse
New biography offers an inside look at Joe Paterno and family after his firing

Excerpts from 'Paterno,' by Joe Posnanski, show Paterno and his family reacting to the scandal after former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky was accused of sexually abusing young boys.

After Jerry Sandusky scandal, Penn State receives accreditation warning

The organization which accredits Mid-Atlantic universities has placed Penn State "on warning." The university's finances and compliance with government requirements are being monitored.

Olympic moms: 13 mothers compete for Team USA

The “Celebrating Moms” series of commercials by Proctor & Gamble during Olympic coverage is a tear-jerking ode to sacrifices mothers make to support their kids’ athletic careers. But what about athletes who are mothers, themselves?

Elite athlete moms have the same run-of-the-mill work/life balance as the rest of us. But these 13 Olympic moms do put parenting – both its challenges and rewards – in a new perspective.

London 2012 javelin preview: Beijing veterans look to grab gold again

London 2012 javelin: In the men's and women's competitions later this week, Norway's Andreas Thorkildsen and Barbora Spotakova from the Czech Republic, both gold medal-winners from Beijing, will try to stay on top.

Opinion: NCAA crackdown shouldn't stop at Penn State: BCS uses students like gladiators

The Penn State scandal isn't the only injustice to plague college football. In fact, that damaging lack of transparency is endemic. The NCAA should continue to clean house by taking control of the Bowl Championship Series, which, driven by greed, uses college players like gladiators. 

Penn State: Insurance firm pulls ads. Will others follow?

Penn State football loses State Farm's insurance ads for home games as General Motors reconsiders sponsorship deal with Penn State. Insurance firm says move was 'the best decision.'