Paterno Family Lawsuit Against NCAA Goes Before Judge

A hearing on a lawsuit filed by the family of longtime Penn State football coach Joe Paterno has started as they seek have the NCAA's penalties against the school reversed.

The courtroom swelled with lawyers ahead of the hearing and some Paterno family members were there, including Paterno's son Scott.

The Paterno estate, a few members of the Penn State governing board, nine former Nittany Lions players, some faculty members and two former coaches filed the lawsuit in May.

They say the NCAA had no authority to impose sanctions based on criminal matters that were not related to the sports it oversees. The sanctions included vacating 111 wins by Paterno.

Judge John Leete scheduled Tuesday's court session so he can hear lawyers argue if he should throw out the claim.

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