Penn State Students React To Sanctions - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

Some Penn State students looked horrified as they watched the NCAA announce tough sanctions on the university.

The punishment shocked many young people on campus.

It's unknown if most students feel this way, but in one corner of the campus, two young men condemned the decision while another young woman supported it.

FOX 29's Omari Fleming spoke with the students after hearing the sanctions doled out to the university.

"I think it's ridiculous," one unidentified freshman said. "These kids had nothing to do with it. These players, these coaches had nothing to do with it, the fans had nothing to do with it. This happened long ago. I think it's ridiculous what they're doing to Joe (Paterno). Joe's done so much for the school."

Another student said of the sanctions, "I do, I believe it was pretty much influenced by a lot of media. A lot of people wanted Penn State to be punished, and that kind of pressure them into it."

A female freshman said, on the other hand, "I think that it's hard to hear, it's definitely hard to hear, but absolutely there were things that needed to be done. And, you know, it's harsh, the scholarships, things that are going to affect, you know, the players, as well, as the school. But I think it's time to rebuild, and I think this is a way to start rebuilding."

In a written statement following the NCAA announcement, Penn State's president said the university accepted the sanctions.

President Rodney Erickson said, "Today, as every day, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the victims of Mr. Sandusky and all other victims of child abuse."