1990's Nittany Lion Star Criticizes NCAA Sanctions
By: Mark Hiller
Updated: July 24, 2012
Olsommer, who appeared in four bowl games with the Nittany Lions from 1993-1996 takes exception to the four-year bowl restriction imposed. The ban eliminates the possibility of any Penn State post season appearance through the 2015 season. "Four years is a little harsh. Probably a 2-year bowl ban would have been sufficient," he said.
The sanctions also include limiting the number of Penn State football scholarships from 25 to 15 for four years. Losing out on 40 scholarship athletes during that time will thin out the Nittany Lions talent depth. The penalties also make it tough for incoming freshmen players like Valley View grad Nyeem Wartman and Wyoming Valley West product Eugene Lewis. Olsommer is hopeful the newest Nittany Lions stay the course. "They've been here and they've stuck with it right through. I think it's tough for all of these kids. You know they gave them a green light any of the kids can transfer. Where are you going to go. You're a week away from the season starting" Olsommer is referencing the start of training camp in August.
One option at Penn State's disposal is to red shirt the entire freshman class. "If they red shirt these guys then their senior year they'll have an opportunity to play for something," indicating by then the bowl ban against Penn State should be lifted. As for vacating all Paterno victories from 1998 to 2011, Olsommer is not mincing words. "That's a slap in the face to the kids who played."
While Olsommer is critical of several NCAA sanctions, he had no problem with the $60 million fine over five-years. In fact, he said it really could have been double that over ten-years -- saying you have to hit Penn State and other schools that do wrong where the money is to teach university leaders they need to change the way they operate.
