NCAA, Penn State Settlement: Joe Paterno’s Wins Restored

Penn State's late football coach Joe Paterno will become the winningest coach in major college football history after the NCAA restored all 112 wins. The wins, which spanned from 1998 to 2012, were originally voided due to the Jerry Sandusky child molestation scandal.

"I think the victors are those of us who are advocating for the children and can finally see this money put to good use," said University of South Carolina president Harris Pastides, a member of the NCAA's board of governors. "While others will focus on the return of wins, our top priority is on protecting, educating and nurturing young people."

Penn State was scheduled to go to trial regarding the legality of the 2012 consent decree in a few weeks. Instead of the trial, the NCAA's board of governors and Penn State approved a new settlement. Not only did the settlement give Paterno his wins back, it will also keep the $60 million that Penn State was required to use to fight child abuse and its side effects within the state.

As a part of the deal, Penn State has to acknowledge that the NCAA acted in good faith.

"I want to thank Sen. (Jake) Corman, Treasurer (Rob) McCord, and the NCAA for their efforts to bring about an outcome that is in the best interest of Penn State," university president Eric Barron said in a statement. "I also want to thank the hard-working students, staff and faculty at Penn State who have ensured the highest level of compliance and ethics. Finally, I want to make it clear that we have a tremendous alumni community that cares a great deal for Penn State. It is my hope that this agreement will continue the healing process for all."

NCAA president Mark Emmert noted in his statement, "We are not at all admitting that we didn't have the authority to impose the penalties. This was in all ways, an extraordinary circumstance. We all hope that we never find ourselves in a position like this."

The NCAA stated that continuing the litigation would have only slowed down the use of the funds.

The NCAA decided last year to reinstate the school's football scholarships. Penn State football was also allowed to play in the postseason.