Ex-Penn State president denied travel to Saudi Arabia pending trial in Sandusky sex abuse case

Penn State University's former president is being blocked from traveling to Saudi Arabia while he awaits trial over allegations he covered up child sex abuse complaints against ex-coach Jerry Sandusky.

Lawyers for Graham Spanier (SPAN'-yur) filed an emergency motion Thursday after a probation officer turned down his request to go to Saudi Arabia on business. The probation officer cited that country's lack of an extradition treaty with the U.S.

His lawyers say that's unreasonable. They note Spanier was allowed to travel to the Persian Gulf country last November.

Sandusky was a retired assistant football coach when he was charged and then convicted of 45 counts of sexually abusing 10 boys, some on the Penn State campus.

Spanier and two other ex-administrators await trial on cover-up charges.