Lawyers for the NCAA tried to get a judge in Centre County to toss out a lawsuit aimed at overturning the unprecedented sanctions against Penn State University and its football program.
Members of the late coach Joe Paterno’s family, some Penn State trustees, faculty, former players and coaches brought the lawsuit earlier this year.
Gov. Tom Corbett tried to fight the sanctions in federal court. A judge dismissed his case.
The sanctions include a $60 million fine, reduced scholarships and vacating more than 100 wins while Joe Paterno was head coach.
Attorneys for the NCAA argue the plaintiffs have no standing to bring the case, saying they can’t prove the sanctions harmed them. Further, they argue the plaintiffs are misinterpreting the association’s rules and bylaws.
Lawyers for the Paternos and other plaintiffs say the NCAA should not have relied on the Freeh report in making its decision about what sanctions to impose.
PSU President Rodney Erickson signed a consent decree with the NCAA in an effort to avoid the so-called “death penalty” for the school’s football program.
After more than three hours of oral arguments Tuesday, the judge did not make a decision about whether the case will move forward. He did not indicate when he would issue his opinion.