The NCAA filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging a new Pennsylvania law that would keep in the state the $60 million fine levied against Penn State for the Jerry Sandusky child abuse crimes. The lawsuit was filed shortly after Governor Tom Corbett signed the bill into law. State lawmakers are opposed to using the money from the fine in other states. The NCAA, when it levied the fine, said it would be used to finance child abuse prevention efforts. CBS Sports reports that the NCAA lawsuit targets the governor, the state’s auditor general, treasurer and the chairman of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
“By seizing the funds and restricting eligibility to benefit from the funds only to Pennsylvania programs benefiting only Pennsylvania residents, the act will defeat the consent decree’s plain terms and frustrate the parties’ intended purpose,” the NCAA’s lawyers wrote, according to CBS Sports. The lawsuit claims the new PA law is unconstitutional because it directs state officials to collect money to which the state is not entitled. It says the new law tries to regulate transactions by out of state entities in violation of the Commerce Clause.
In January, Governor Corbett filed a federal lawsuit accusing the NCAA of antitrust violations.
Sandusky, a former Penn State assistant football coach, was convicted of sex crimes against young boys. One incident took place in a locker room shower. Penn State administrators at the time are accused of covering up for him. The NCAA levied a series of punishments which included the $60 million fine.