NCAA president discusses Penn State scandal

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The NCAA's investigation into the Penn State scandal could impact athletic programs across the country.

But first, Penn State needs to answer the NCAA's questions about child molestation allegations against now-former coach Jerry Sandusky. And that may not happen on time.

NCAA President Dr. Mark Emmert said Penn State has been open and candid when it comes to answering questions about the scandal. But he said university leaders will likely need more time to answer the long list of questions posed by the association.

A deadline had been set for Dec. 16.

"I think it is clear that it will be impossible for them to provide a lot of the information we want in that timeframe," Emmerts said.

The NCAA investigation at Penn State will focus on the ethical behavior of those involved.
Specifically, who knew what, and how the reporting of information was handled.

"No athletic department can or should be above or outside the reach of its host university. Coaches, players, people around an athletic program have to be held to the same standards of behavior as you expect from anyone else in society," Emmert said.

He said if the allegations made against Sandusky are found verified, then there was a behavioral standards breakdown within the football program. And if that's the case, the implications will be far reaching.

"We've got to figure out how we mitigate that. How do we make sure we are holding athletic programs and departments to the same standards we expect of the rest of society?" Emmert said.

When it comes to the child molestation case involving former Syracuse basketball coach Bernie Fine, Emmert said, the NCAA is in contact with the university but is only watching and gathering information.