NCAA launches investigation into Penn State

A final note this afternoon. We had NCAA President Mark Emmert on the broadcast yesterday, talking about the state of big-time and big-money college sports. And, of course, the scandal at Penn State.

At one point, we had this exchange.

Ryssdal: Let me make sure I understand you: There is room here for NCAA sanctions against Penn State?

Emmert: We have a very strong interest in making sure that our programs are reflective of the best values of athletics and of universities.

Turns out their interest was more immediate than he let on. In a letter (PDF) dated yesterday, Emmert told Penn State’s interim president Rod Erickson the investigation starts now.