Penn State head coach James Franklin answers questions after the NCAA college football vs. Wisconsin game on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Molly Gash)
MADISON, Wis. — Penn State made news for the wrong reasons last week, and James Franklin accepted responsibility.
On Wednesday, Franklin was asked for comment on the summer firings of former PSU players Jamial Lyons and Kaveion Keys, who were indicted on rape charges.
The alleged assault occurred on July 7, the players were fired in early August, and they were formally charged on Tuesday.
Penn State released a statement Wednesday saying it had no comment beyond the fact that the players are no longer with the team or the university.
Nevertheless, Franklin was asked twice about the incident, and both times he stepped away from the microphone and referred the discussion to Greg Kincaid, assistant director of sports information, who read the university’s statement.
Franklin’s refusal to become press secretary took social media by storm and was commented on Saturday night on NBC.
Fox was the Nittany Lions during the Ohio State-Nebraska game. “Dealing with chaos.”
After Penn State’s 28-13 victory over Wisconsin, Franklin issued an unsolicited apology.
“Wednesday’s response did not go well.” he said. “It was a difficult, difficult situation and I realized that I didn’t do a good job in the situation. … I couldn’t describe this program in the right way.”
Mr. Franklin did not elaborate, other than to say he did not condemn the reporters who reported on the issue.
“I respect that.” he said. “The reality is, there’s not much I can say other than this statement. We have an ongoing legal situation that is challenging. It’s challenging for everyone. … We can’t do a good job there.” I, like everyone else, am trying to improve in a difficult situation.I apologize.
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