Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Court Dismisses State's Lawsuit Against NCAA for Penn State Sanctions
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: June 12, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
The lawsuit against NCAA by the state of Pennsylvania will not be permitted to move forward, a federal judge ruled.
U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane said that the arguments surrounding the state’s lawsuit, which claimed the NCAA overstepped its bounds with sanctions against Penn State over the Jerry Sandusky scandal, “fail to advance the ball,” Reuters reports. Gov. Tom Corbett initially brought the suit against the league, arguing that the NCAA sanctions represent sports law and antitrust violations. He also said that the ramifications of the $60 million sanctions would result in economic hardship throughout the state, and impact third parties unrelated to the Sandusky scandal, including stadium workers, sports vendors, the hospitality industry, and shopkeepers who carry Penn State apparel.
Despite these arguments, Judge Kane called Corbett’s theories a “Hail Mary pass” in her 28-page ruling, and said the case warrants dismissal.
“[The lawsuit] raises serious questions about the indirect economic impact of NCAA sanctions on innocent parties,” Kane wrote in her ruling, according to Reuters. “These are important questions deserving of public debate, but they are not antitrust questions.”
Corbett’s office released a brief statement following the ruling, which said that he was disappointed with the court’s decision, and believes it will harm not only the university, but the citizens of Pennsylvania. However, the NCAA said it is “exceedingly pleased” with the ruling and hopes that the decision will put an end to this chapter and allow the community to move forward from pain and ramifications of the Sandusky scandal.
While the state lawsuit against the NCAA may be at an end, relatives of the late Joe Paterno, five Penn State trustees, and other university officials have brought their own suit against the league in an effort to have the sanctions overturned. The family and trustees argued that the NCAA is wrong to base its decision on the findings of a “flawed” independent report into the abuse scandal conducted by former FBI director Louis Freeh.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
SECURE 2.0 RMD Planning Strategies
How the Updated Law Shapes Retirement and Estate Planning The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 materially reshapes the required minimum distribution (RMD) landscape, extending tax deferral opportunities while accelerating distribution requirements for many beneficiaries. For high-net-worth individuals and families, these changes are not merely technical. They require a reassessment of retirement income strategies, beneficiary planning, […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Buying Commercial Property in New Jersey: Legal Guide for Small Businesses
Small businesses considering buying commercial property in New Jersey must evaluate a range of legal, financial, and operational factors. While ownership can offer long-term value and control, it also introduces significant risks if not properly structured. This guide outlines key considerations to help New Jersey business owners make informed decisions, minimize legal exposure, and successfully […]
Author: Robert L. Baker, Jr.
The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities
On January 28, 2026, staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Divisions of Corporation Finance, Investment Management, and Trading and Markets issued a joint statement clarifying how existing federal securities laws apply to tokenized securities. The SEC’s “Statement on Tokenized Securities” does not establish new law, but it does provide greater clarity on the […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Common Legal Mistakes NYC and New Jersey Business Owners Make
Operating a business in the New Jersey and New York City metropolitan region offers incredible opportunities, but it also requires navigating a dense and highly regulated legal environment. From entity formation to regulatory compliance, seemingly minor legal oversights can expose business owners to significant risk. In our work with businesses throughout the region, our attorneys […]
Author: Dan Brecher
What Founders Can Learn From Start-up Suits
High-profile founder litigation is more than just a media spectacle. For startup founders, these cases underscore the legal and structural risks that can arise when rapid growth outpaces formal oversight. While launching a new company can be both an exciting and deeply rewarding endeavor, founders must be mindful that it also comes with significant risks. […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate Governance Reviews: A Practical Guide for New Jersey Companies
Every New Jersey company should periodically evaluate its governance framework. Strong corporate governance protects directors and officers, builds investor confidence, reduces litigation exposure, and positions a company for sustainable growth. The first quarter of the year is a great time to evaluate your corporate governance practices and perform any routine maintenance needed to keep that […]
Author: Ken Hollenbeck
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.