The Penn State football program , which had incurred severe sanctions after the Jerry Sandusky child molestation scandal , received good news Monday when the NCAA ended the Nittany Lions ' postseason ban and scholarship limits . The NCAA said the reward was because of `` Penn State University 's significant progress toward ensuring its Athletics Department functions with integrity , '' according to a statement from the executive committee of the collegiate sports ruling body . Former Sen. George Mitchell , the athletics integrity monitor for the university , made the recommendations in his most recent annual report on the program to the NCAA . `` Senator Mitchell 's report and recommendations , along with the actions taken by the NCAA today , are a recognition of the hard work of many over the past two years to make Penn State a stronger institution , '' Penn State President Eric Barron said in a university statement . A $ 60 million fine and 13 years of vacated wins of renowned coach Joe Paterno will remain in place . Sandusky , 70 , a former defensive coordinator , was convicted in 2012 of sexually abusing 10 boys he met through his charity . He is serving a 30- to 60-year prison term . But the sanctions against Penn State mostly revolved around an alleged cover-up by the university 's former president , vice president and athletic director . The NCAA said Monday the team would be eligible for a bowl game this season and next year can grant the full number of scholarships ( 85 ) .
Penn State received harsh sanctions from the NCAA after an alleged cover-up by officials . The university was hit with a $60 million fine and stripped of 111 wins over its last five seasons. A massive fine remains in place and 13 years of wins remain negated . Penn State says it has worked hard to become stronger after Sandusky scandal .