Matt Sandusky, the adopted son of Jerry Sandusky, and six others have settled with Penn State University over claims of sexual abuse by the former assistant coach, the Associated Press reported.
Of the seven settlements were Matt, Jerry Sandusky's adopted son, who was expected to be a defense witness in his father's trial, but he told investigator he too had been abused. "Victim 2," the child perhaps at the center of Joe Paterno's firing, also reached an agreement.
Jerry Sandusky was convicted of 45 counts of child sexual abuse and former high-ranking school officials are headed to trial for allegedly trying to cover up the scandal.
Also accused of covering up Sandusky's crimes was legendary football coach Joe Paterno. Before the NCAA levied the harshest penalties they have ever distributed, stripping 40 years worth of games and millions in fines, Paterno was the winningest coach in college football history.
Mike McQeary, a graduate assistant at the time, witnessed an incident in 2001 involving Sandusky and "Victim 2" in a team shower. McQueary reported it to Paterno who reported it the school officials, but the report never made it to the police. Sandusky's abuse had already been going on for years and lasted years more.
"To say they're relieved, I think, is a fair statement," Philadelphia attorney Matt Casey said. "But it's also accurate to say that while we've closed this chapter, there's a whole lot of this that's necessarily inadequate."
"Victim 5" was the first to settle with Penn State, a settlement the school's attorney Michael K. Rozen called "pivotal." With the latest seven settlements, Penn State is left with 24 more. All of which are expected to be handled in the near future.
It was important for both sides to keep these cases out of the courts so the victims would remain anonymous and not have to recount their horrific experiences again.
Former Penn State president Graham Spanier, retired vice president Gary Schultz and retired athletic director Tim Curley are all awaiting trial on charges of a massive cover-up of Sandusky's crimes. All three deny the allegations, as does Sandusky, who still claims he is innocent.