The representation of former Penn State president Graham Spanier stated in a release on Thursday afternoon that the charges levied against their client are not based in fact.
Spanier was charged with obstruction, endangering the welfare of children and perjury related to the Jerry Sandusky case, according to the Pennsylvania state Attorney General on Thursday afternoon. In total, Spanier has been charged with eight crimes, three of which are felony charges.
According to the statement, Spanier's team of lawyers believe that the charges are political in nature and are a vindictive move motivated by the governor. Spanier is represented by lawyers from Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP as well as Vaira & Riley P.C.
Since the release of the Freeh Report, which was an internal investigation of Penn State conducted by former FBI director Louis Freeh, it has been speculated as to what type of charges Spanier would face for his involvement in the Jerry Sandusky case.
According to Freeh, Spanier was aware of two separate incidents (one in 2001 and another in 1998) of abuse by Sandusky and failed to report him due to publicity reasons.