Jerry Sandusky Says Penn State Sanctions Are Unjust

Former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky believes the NCAA has treated the university unfairly in the wake of the sex abuse scandal which led to his conviction in June.

Sandusky, who continues to state his innocence, said through his lawyer Joe Amendola that he doesn't think people should believe those in power at the school were involved in a cover-up even if they think he's guilty of the crimes, according to the Associated Press.

The comments from Sandusky come just over a week after the NCAA decided to levy incredibly tough sanctions on Penn State and its football program. Along with a four-year ban from postseason play, lost scholarships and vacated wins, the university was fined $60 million.

There were wide-ranging reactions to the penalties, including that they may end up being worse than the "death penalty" because they could cripple the football program for a decade or more. New head coach Bill O'Brien certainly faces a tough challenge.

That said, Sandusky is probably the last person Penn State officials want coming to the school's defense at this point. They have tried to distance themselves from him ever since the scandal broke as the group attempts to get the university back on track.

Even if the officials agree with the sentiment Sandusky passed along through his lawyer, it's support they would have been happy to live without.

That's especially true since Penn State has agreed to the sanctions. That means it must live with the punishment and start looking to the future. Continuing to live in the past will only lead to more negativity, so it's time to move on.

Sandusky was found guilty on 45 counts of sex abuse and is currently awaiting sentencing. In the report, his lawyer says they have already begun to develop an appeal as the former coach attempts to get the verdict overturned.

The scandal has now been a major part of the news cycle for nearly eight months and still has no end in sight if Sandusky does appeal. And the sanctions ensure the impact of the situation will be felt for a long time after the story does fade away.

All Penn State can do now is make sure nothing like it never happens again.