x
Breaking News
More () »

Franklin frustrated by lack of answers

The Penn State football coach said he was frustrated by the Big Ten's decision.
Credit: WPMT
Coach Franklin

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — For the first time since the Big Ten announced the postponement of the 2020 fall sports schedule, Penn State's James Franklin made his feelings known on Wednesday.

"While I appreciate the complexities and difficulties of this decision, for the leaders of our conference, I'm extremely frustrated because we still have very few answers to communicate to our young men and their families about their futures, and very little understanding of the factors contributing to the decision," Franklin said in a Zoom conference call.

RELATED: Big Ten, Pac-12 postpone fall football season amid coronavirus pandemic

Franklin emphasized that the COVID-19 precautions the Nittany Lions put in place have been working.  Penn State athletics says that between August 10 and August 14, 230 student athletes were tested and only one Nittany Lion has tested positive.

In recent days, parents of student athletes have written letters to Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren and university presidents looking for answers.  Some student athletes have even started a petition to reverse the decision and play this fall, but Franklin doesn't see that becoming a reality.

RELATED: Lettermen want players to know they are here for support

"I love to see our players have voices.  I love to see the parents have voices.  I know they do within our organization and we've had a lot of meaningful conversations.  I had a meeting with the parents last night and it's hard because you continue to have these meetings and again, you still don't have a whole lot of answers for them," added Franklin.  "But I still think the ability to get together, look each other in the face, and let them know what you do know is important.  Do I think things are going to change?  I don't think we're going to go back to a fall season.  I don't think that's going to open.  I don't think the petitions and the voices allow us to say, 'We're going to go back and play this fall.'  I wish that was the case but I don't see that happening."

Before You Leave, Check This Out