James Franklin embarrased Penn State by refusing to comment on rape charges against former players
The life of a college football head coach is not easy, and Penn State head coach James Franklin continues to learn this lesson in his 14th season as the top man in a program. While Penn State is riding high as a top-five team with an undefeated record, Franklin absolutely dropped the ball in his […]
The life of a college football head coach is not easy, and Penn State head coach James Franklin continues to learn this lesson in his 14th season as the top man in a program. While Penn State is riding high as a top-five team with an undefeated record, Franklin absolutely dropped the ball in his latest press conference.
When faced with answering questions about two former Penn State players who are facing rape charges, Franklin cowardly walked away from the microphone so that Penn State assistant AD for football communications and content Greg Kincaid could respond with a canned response about Kaveion Keys and Jameial Lyons.
While Franklin was not expected to issue a dissertation, being combative (especially Kincaid) is tone-deaf, considering the issues Penn State dealt with when Joe Paterno was fired. Watch for yourself.
Again, Franklin should not be expected to present an overly detailed response here but to not acknowledge the severity of the charges, present empathy for victims, or even make a general statement that Penn State acted as they saw fit when they learned that the accusations were a failure.
Remember, Franklin makes a base of $7.5 million annually and around $1 million more in incentives. He's a big boy. What he says here would not impact an investigation's results, and he will be questioned regardless of what he said in this press conference.
Instead, Franklin petulantly stormed off to the side of the podium when he was asked about his former players. He's never commented on the players who are no longer on the team. They were alleged to have committed their crimes before being kicked off Penn State's roster, so it's absolutely fair to question Franklin, even if he acted in perfect accordance with the school's policy.
Being so highly compensated and associated with one of the top positions within the entire state means there's a level of responsibility that must be fulfilled. Franklin failed here, and program supporters and people, in general, should hold him and other management to the fire when they come up short.
