NCAA to launch inquiry of Penn State athletic programs

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State has learned via letter from NCAA President Mark Emmert that the governing body of collegiate sports will launch an inquiry of the University's athletic programs in the wake of allegations of sexual abuse by a former assistant coach and charges of perjury against to two senior University officials.

"I am writing to notify you that the NCAA will examine Penn State's exercise of institutional control over its intercollegiate athletics programs, as well as the actions, and inactions, of relevant responsible personnel," Emmert wrote. "We recognize that there are ongoing federal and state investigations and the NCAA does not intend to interfere with those probes."

Emmert set out several questions that University officials must be prepared to answer as part of the probe.

Responses to this NCAA inquiry are expected by Dec. 16 in order for the NCAA to determine next steps.

To view the letter and the specific areas that will be covered in this inquiry, go to http://www.psu.edu/ur/2011/NCAA.pdf online.

Topics: ncaa, mark emmert