An acclaimed sport historian, professor emeritus at Penn State and close to the Jerry Sandusky Scandal, exposes the hypocrisy of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in its 2012 "Consent Decree" punishment of Penn State University and its athletic program. Using two court cases against the NCAA, Smith shows how the lack of due process by the NCAA and the breaking of its own constitution and bylaws punished Penn State and in the process, Joe Paterno, without justice. Truly, the NCAA nailed Penn State and its football program to the crossbar. "Smith's ' Nailed to the Crossbar ' is riveting, thought provoking, detailed, and courageous. He shows how, with Penn State lacking sound advice, the NCAA's Consent Decree wreaked havoc on the institution and its legacy." Piet von Ogtrop, retired attorney "Smith combines his knowledge as a higher ed insider with his distinguished record as a sport historian to show how and why the NCAA unjustly and illegally punished Penn State over the Sandusky scandal. But make no mistake-- this is not an emotional diatribe, but rather a well-reasoned, evidence-based analysis of an important element of intercollegiate athletics governance. Smith's findings should be essential reading in the effort to redefine the NCAA's proper role as an oversight body, and to assess the legacy of Joe Paterno." Michael Bezilla, author of Penn State: An Illustrated History Ronald A. Smith is professor emeritus at Penn State and distinguished sport historian, author of Wounded Lions: Joe Paterno, Jerry Sandusky, and the Crises in Penn State Athletics.