Penn State sanctions evoke strong emotions in Ohio Valley - WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling Steubenville

In the Ohio Valley, word spread quickly about the sanctions against Penn State's once mighty football program.

And many people have strong feelings, one way or the other.

Penn State's football program has suddenly gone from "powerhouse" to "punished."

People on the street --some football fans, others not--reacted to the stiff sanctions that the Nittany Lions had been handed.

And most people still seemed focused on Jerry Sandusky's crimes against children, as they were considering the sanctions.

"I think they deserved what they got for what happened," said Richard Myers of Martins Ferry.

"Personally, I think they got everything the deserved," said Kevin Gibson of Cleveland. "I'm pretty hard line when it comes to children. I think that's the problem with America today. We don't protect our children. And when it comes to children, I think that's the most important thing in the world."

"Well it sounds a little tough but I'm going to have to agree," said Nancey Lucido of Moundsville. "If he (Sandusky) did it and Paterno knew about it, then they got what they deserved. You know, I always liked Penn State. My friends liked Penn State. But you know, you've got to pay the piper sometime."

"I don't really keep up with this stuff, but the kids shouldn't be punished for what went on," said Tammy Powell of Barnesville.

"For so many years it went on, so I believe Penn State deserves what they got," said Tyler Shanks of St. Clairsville. "They should have lost all those games if that stuff was going on."

"Maybe the sanctions were a little too over the top," said Brittany Chesnick of Bethesda. "Not everyone knew what was happening, but it will be everyone's punishment. So I think it was a little too severe, although they do deserve some punishment."

"I think it's a little harsh," said Holly Bizic of Port Richey, Fla. "I think it's totally wrong what happened, but I don't think the University and the team should have to pay for it for that long. That's just a little much."

The only people who did object to the sanctions seemed to be mainly opposed to setting aside all the school's victories from 1998 to 2011.

They felt it wasn't the fault of the players, and their wins shouldn't be turned to losses.