WASHINGTON—Penn State President Rodney Erickson says he didn't suggest NCAA sanctions on the university in the wake of the child sex abuse scandal and doesn't take the repercussions lightly, but they were preferable to a multiyear ban on football.

The NCAA on Monday imposed a $60 million fine, a four-year bowl game ban, reduced football scholarships and the forfeiture of 112 wins.

Erickson said in a Washington Post editorial Saturday that a ban "would have been far more detrimental to the healing process of our students and alumni."

He said many feel it is unfair that those with no involvement will suffer, but accepting responsibility was "integral to the long-term character of our institution" and he's proud of the "grace, humility and determination" shown by faculty, staff and alumni.