Penn State Officials Will Pay Almost $60 Million To Sandusky's Victims
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WJZ) -- Nearly $60 million. That's how much Penn State officials have agreed to pay out to victims of former football coach Jerry Sandusky--this, as the number of victims more than doubles!
Meghan McCorkell has more on the settlements.
Penn State will pay $59.7 million to 26 men who claim they were abused as children by Jerry Sandusky.
In June, the former assistant football coach was convicted of sexually abusing 10 victims on school property. In an interview with 60 Minutes Sports, prosecutors admit there are many more.
"There are dozens more. Dozens," said prosecutor Joseph McGettigan III.
Attorney Matt Casey represents seven of the alleged victims who have settled with the school.
"They're pleased to now put it behind them but it's a remarkable achievement by courageous young men," said Casey.
The scandal cost legendary football coach Joe Paterno his job, and three former university officials have all been indicted for their roles in covering up Sandusky's abuse.
"It was a lose-lose-lose situation for Penn State," said legal expert Professor Byron Warnken, warnkenlaw.com.
He says the settlements are fair and the safest move for both sides.
"The cost to litigate this and the negative publicity that would be drawn out over a long period of time...frankly, this makes the most sense for everyone," Warnken said.
The president of the university released a statement calling the settlements a step forward in the healing process.
"We cannot undo what has been done but we can and must do everything possible to learn from this and ensure it never happens again at Penn State," said Rodney Erickson.
Liability insurance policies are expected to cover the settlements. School officials say no student tuition will be used.
Since his conviction, Sandusky has maintained his innocence. He has appealed his guilty verdict.
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