Lawyers want charity solvent

The Second Mile shouldn’t be allowed to dissolve its assets, according to a lawsuit filed late Wednesday on behalf of someone who claims to be a victim of Jerry Sandusky, the charity’s founder. The complaint also suggests some of the future legal strategies that may be used in civil lawsuits.

Lawyers Benjamin Andreozzi and Jeffrey Fritz are seeking an injunction to stop The Second Mile from dissolving or transferring its assets. Nonprofit corporations that cease operations are generally allowed to transfer assets to other charitable groups with a similar mission.

“We felt it was necessary to take this action after learning the organization was considering transferring its programs and not continuing its operations,’’ Andreozzi said, referring to reports last week that the charity was mulling several different options for its future, including the possibility of shutting down.

“We believe it is in the best interest of our clients, as well as the other victims, to ensure that the organization is being financially responsible. The injunction would not interrupt the everyday operations of The Second Mile or its existing programs.’’

Sandusky, Penn State’s former defensive coordinator and ex-coach Joe Paterno’s one-time heir apparent, founded The Second Mile in 1977. The group said last week it was considering its future in light of the scandal and its options include closing, though no decision has been made. The charity’s most recent tax filing showed it had almost $9 million in assets.

David Woodle, who was named acting CEO earlier this month after longtime leader Jack Raykovitz resigned, said the organization is looking at three options: restructuring and keeping its programs going, even if it means doing so at a reduced level of service and funding; maintaining the programs by transferring them to other organizations; or shutting down.

“Our primary goal is to sustain the programs for the sake of the kids,’’ Woodle said.

Lions stay focused

Penn State (9-2, 6-1) continues its push for the Big Ten championship today with a trip to No. 15 Wisconsin (9-2, 5-2). The winner clinches the Leaders Division and will take on Legends Division winner Michigan State in the conference title game in Indianapolis next Saturday.

While the Sandusky scandal has rocked the Penn State community, the No. 20 Nittany Lions remain focused on the field and still hope to salvage something from their season.

“Obviously, we have to score some points,’’ interim coach Tom Bradley said. “No one beats [Wisconsin] without scoring points. Because they’re going to get their points no matter what. They’re just that good.’’

Luck meets Irish

In what will likely be his last game at Stanford Stadium, Andrew Luck leads the fourth-ranked Cardinal against streaking No. 22 Notre Dame tonight. Stanford (10-1, 8-1 Pac-12) has a chance to secure a BCS bowl berth and keep alive its slim chances of a national title. And if No. 9 Oregon loses to Oregon State today, Stanford would host the Pac-12 title game. The Fighting Irish (8-3) can reach nine wins for the first time since 2006 . . . The winner of today’s matchup between sixth-ranked Virginia Tech (10-1, 6-1) and No. 24 Virginia (8-3, 5-2) in Charlottesville will clinch the Coastal Division title and advance to the ACC championship game against Clemson Dec. 3. The Hokies rank 12th nationally in total defense, the Cavaliers 25th . . . Rutgers can claim a share of the Big East championship with a win at Connecticut today. The Scarlet Knights (8-3, 4-2) would be the first team in league history to go from worst to first in consecutive seasons.

Motivation is there

There’s always more to Michigan-Ohio State than just the game. The 17th-ranked Wolverines (9-2, 5-2 Big Ten) have a good shot to snap a school-record, seven-game losing streak in the series and possibly play their way into a BCS bowl for the first time since the 2006 season. The Buckeyes (6-5, 3-4) are motivated to avoid being on the field for Michigan’s first win over them since 2003. A loss would sink visiting Ohio State to its first 6-6 season since 1999. “You can be the favorite and the underdog, but none of that matters in this football game,’’ Michigan coach Brady Hoke said. “It never does.’’ . . . Urban Meyer will not appear on ESPN’s coverage this weekend after the former Florida coach requested he be taken off his assignment for the Ohio State-Michigan game. Several media outlets have reported that Meyer is set to become the new coach at Ohio State. Meyer has been working as a game analyst this season for ESPN.