PSU’s Franklin apologizes for leaving press reporters

• Jake Trotter, ESPN Senior Citizen WriterOct 27, 2024, 12:53 AM ET Close Jake Trotter covers college football for ESPN. He signed up with ESPN in 2011. Before that, he worked at The Oklahoman, Austin American-Statesman and Middletown (Ohio) Journal papers. You can follow him @Jake_Trotter.

MADISON, Wis.– Penn State coach James Franklin excused leaving the microphone Wednesday when inquired about two previous players who were accused by authorities of raping a 17-year-old lady in their house July 7.

“I didn’t do a terrific task of handling Wednesday,” Franklin stated Saturday night following Penn State’s 28-13 success over Wisconsin. “Difficult, tight spot and I got to own that I did refrain from doing a great task of that. … I did not do a great job of managing that circumstance and representing this program properly.”

Previous Nittany Lions protective end Jameial Lyons, 19, is charged with felony rape, exacerbated attack without approval, voluntary deviate sexual intercourse and misdemeanor indecent attack without approval and intrusion of personal privacy without permission. Former Penn State linebacker Kaveion Keys, 19, is charged with felony rape, exacerbated attack without approval and sexual attack and misdemeanor indecent attack without consent.Penn State suspended Lyons and Keys from the football group in August. “We understand the severe charges

versus Mr. Keys and Mr. Lyons, who are no longer registered at the University, “a school spokesperson said in a declaration last week.”The security of our community is our top concern, and Penn State takes any report of sexual assault or misbehavior really seriously and examines any and all reports.” After Wednesday’s practice, a press reporter started to ask Franklin about the

criminal case. Franklin left the microphone, and a university spokesperson read a prepared statement:” Concerning the 2 former Penn State football players, we released a statement the other day and our program and sports department will have no further remark.”Editor’s Picks 1 Related When another reporter attempted to ask Franklin about dismissing the players, he walked away again.Franklin stated Saturday

that he comprehended why the questions needed to be asked.”I appreciate that,”he stated.”The reality is there’s not a whole lot more I can state besides that [university’s]

statement. It’s an ongoing legal situation and it’s difficult. It’s challenging on everybody. … I didn’t do a good task there. I’m attempting to get better like everyone else in a difficult situation. … I ask forgiveness. “ESPN Senior Author Mark Schlabach contributed to this report.