Penn State players' off-the-field behavior under scrutiny
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - With the wave of a hand, Penn State football coach Joe Paterno dismisses any question about off-the-field transgressions that have tarnished the program since the spring. Understandably, he would much rather talk about Indiana, this week's opponent or about how well his team has been playing.
But just as the Nittany Lions' season found new life after an impressive win against Wisconsin, just as they returned to the top 25 after a two-week absence, the program is again dealing with a serious legal issue involving one of its key players.
Running back Austin Scott, who leads the team with six touchdowns, was ordered to stand trial on felony rape and sexual assault charges after a preliminary hearing on Wednesday. He plans to plead not guilty before his Nov. 15 arraignment, according to Scott's attorney, Joseph Amendola. Jury selection for the trial is scheduled for early February. Two charges of aggravated indecent assault were withdrawn.
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