BEAVERTON, Ore. — Nike co-founder Phil Knight has issued a statement blasting the Freeh report's characterization of Penn State coach Joe Paterno in the child sex abuse scandal involving assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.

Following the release last year of former FBI director Louis Freeh's report, Knight issued a statement saying he was saddened that Paterno apparently made missteps that led to “heartbreaking consequences.”

But Knight now says that he may have jumped to conclusions, after a new report by former U.S. Attorney General and Pennsylvania Gov. Dick Thornburgh that was commissioned by the Paterno family.

In a statement released Monday, Knight called the findings of the Freeh report unjustified and unsubstantiated. He also criticized the NCAA's subsequent sanctions on Penn State's football program as unwarranted.

STATE COLLEGE — Penn State tight end-turned-offensive lineman Garry Gilliam has been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA.Gilliam now has two years left with the Nittany Lions. The NCAA approved Gilliam's request for an additional year because of a left knee injury.The 6-foot-7 Gilliam has gained about 25 pounds this offseason to 290 pounds. He could turn into a key player up front after starting right tackle Mike Farrell graduated.Gilliam arrived at Penn State in 2009 for a redshirt freshman season. He hurt his knee five games into the 2010 season, then sat out 2011 after suffering an infection that delayed surgery and rehabilitation.