Did Penn State Dodge the Death Penalty?

Penn State may have dodge a four year ban on footbal as one of the sanctions from the NCAA.

Penn State president Rodney Erickson says the idea of a four year ban was discussed before the NCAA released its sanctions Monday.

The NCAA issued penalties were issued due to how the university handled sex abuse allegations by former coach Jerry Sandusky.  An independent investigation  by former FBI Director named four administrators includin the late Joe Paterno for covering up and failing to report critical information about the child abuse.  Sandusly was convicted on 45 counts of child sex abuse.

In addition to the NCAA penalties, the Big Ten Conference has imposed additional fines and penalties.  Several sponsors of Penn State football including State Farm Insurance are canceling support for the program.

The total revenue loss the football programs and the university could be in the 100s of thousand dollars over the five year probation. More from Fox News