Penn State coach Coquese Washington statement on NCAA sanctions and the Sandusky scandal

In the wake of the unprecedented sanctions levied against Penn State in the aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal, women’s basketball head coach Coquese Washington issue the following statement on July 24, 2012:

Yesterday, the NCAA issued a series of sanctions to our athletic department and University. As members of the Penn State community, we will accept these sanctions and work diligently to continue our tradition of excellence on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.

While the sanctions were unprecedented in scope, rest assured that Lady Lion basketball (and all other sports at Penn State) will not suffer any reduction in support – financial or otherwise – as a result of the penalties levied by the NCAA. The Lady Lions will continue to represent our University, alums, fans and supporters in a way that they can be proud of. We will compete in the classroom and on the basketball court with grace, class and dignity.

As we begin to move forward and start the healing process, we will always remember the victims and families affected by these atrocities. Our thoughts and prayers are forever with them.