Former president Spanier attends Penn State game

STATE COLLEGE — Former Penn State President Graham Spanier attended the school's men's basketball game against Nebraska on Saturday, sitting in the front row at what is believed to be his first Penn State sporting event since he was fired in November 2011.

Spanier and two other high-ranking administrators face charges including perjury and obstruction for allegedly covering up sex abuse allegations against former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky. All three are awaiting a preliminary hearing and have maintained their innocence.

Spanier was ousted along with Hall of Fame coach Joe Paterno in the immediate aftermath of Sandusky's November 2011 arrest. A university-sanctioned investigation by former FBI director Louis Freeh accused Spanier and Paterno of participating in a cover-up to protect the school's image.

Paterno died almost a year ago. His family has firmly denied the allegations of a cover-up.