Penn State to Pay Almost $60M in Sandusky Abuse Claims

Case led to the late coach Joe Paterno's downfall

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Mark Wilson / Getty Images

Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky leaves the Centre County Courthouse, on June 19, 2012 in Bellefonte, Pa.

After a year of negotiations, Pennsylvania State University will pay 26 young men a total of $59.7 million in a settlement over accusations of sexual abuse against former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky, the Associated Press reports. The school says it still faces claims from six other alleged victims.

Among those who reached settlements were some of the men who testified at Sandusky’s trial last year. Sandusky was found guilty of abusing 10 boys over the course of 15 years and is currently serving 30 to 60 years in prison. Attorneys for the victims said the university has already begun sending checks.

Penn State has spent more than $50 million on additional costs relating to the Sandusky scandal, including lawyers’ fees, public relations expenses and drafting new policies regarding sexual abuse complaints.

The Sandusky case led the university to dismiss legendary head football coach Joe Paterno, who died in 2012.

[AP]

Updated at 2:11 p.m. to reflect further details.