Penn State interim president Dr. Rodney Erickson says playing Saturday’s game vs. Nebraska ‘was the best decision’. STATE School, Pa. – There was a time this week when Penn State’s interim president Dr. Rodney Erickson was finding pressured to cancel Saturday’s game against Nebraska right here at Beaver Stadium.
Erickson was bombarded by letters and emails from fans who felt it was inappropriate to play a football game in light with the huge sex abuse scandal involving former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky and eight minors which has rocked this campus all week. Then there was the subsequent firing of Joe Paterno which rocked this campus all week.
There were calls to cancel the rest of the season.
“Playing this game was the appropriate choice,” Erickson stated. “It was also an opportunity to recognize and bring national focus to the problem of sexual abuse.”
Although the Lions (8-2, 5-1) lost, 17-14, they still lead the Legends division in the Big Ten by a single game over Wisconsin. Penn State has two conference games remaining, following Saturday at Ohio State along with the following week at Wisconsin.
Along these lines, Erickson said he saw no purpose to believe Penn State wouldn’t accept a bowl bid if it really is supplied.
“If our student-athletes have earned the suitable to play, they undoubtedly really should be permitted to do so,” he said.
The healing course of action looks like it’s finally commencing to start for this football group, which has had to take care of per week of distractions considering that specifics from the scandal began to emerge final weekend. “I could see it Friday night when the team bus pulled as much as the football offices soon after stroll by means of as well as the Blue Band had put up a massive sign,” interim coach Tom Bradley stated right after his to begin with game as a head coach.
Bradley understands this might be a short-term occupation for him as well as the rest in the staff. There are already rumors the college has sent out feelers to Virgina coach Mike London, despite the fact that Erickson was speedy to deny that. We haven’t reached out to any candidates,” he mentioned. “There is no time table.” ” defensive tackle Devon Still stated. “You need to master how to face adversity. ”
The Lions had a good amount of it, fallking behind 17-0 to an option type team they had restricted time prepared for this week. However they rallied to stay competitive in an emotional game that was punctuated by chants of “Joe Pa-terno” anytime there was a fleeting image of them around the video screeen.
“It was a challenging game. There have been a good deal of feelings going on,” linebacker Nate Stupar stated. “I utilized to feelings to fuel the fire.”
tags: Dr. Rodney Erickson, Games, Nebraska, Penn State
