Franklin's Press Conference

[fastlax16]

"I would like to open up with a statement, something that I was thinking about laying in bed last night, that I wanted to put out there. The football that I know, and love, brings people together and embraces differences. Black, white, brown, Catholic, Jewish, or Muslim, rich or poor, rural or urban, Republican or Democrat, long hair, short hair or no hair, they’re all in the locker room together."

"Teams all over the country are the purest form of humanity we have. We don’t judge. We embrace differences. We love, grow, and support each other. We’re a family. Penn State brings people together unlike few things on this planet. Fans throughout our region, from all different parts of our state, they are hugging and singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ together [at games]. This is my football. Ultimately, this is the definition and embodiment of what ‘We Are’ is all about.”

“Jonathan Sutherland is one of the most respected players in our program and is what our program is all about. He’s a captain, dean’s list student, student, intelligent, and committed, and has two of the most supportive parents. I would be so blessed if my daughters married someone with his characteristics one day.”

 

[RickinDayton]

"I would like to open up with a statement, something that I was thinking about laying in bed last night, that I wanted to put out there. The football that I know, and love, brings people together and embraces differences. Black, white, brown, Catholic, Jewish, or Muslim, rich or poor, rural or urban, Republican or Democrat, long hair, short hair or no hair, they’re all in the locker room together."

"Teams all over the country are the purest form of humanity we have. We don’t judge. We embrace differences. We love, grow, and support each other. We’re a family. Penn State brings people together unlike few things on this planet. Fans throughout our region, from all different parts of our state, they are hugging and singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ together [at games]. This is my football. Ultimately, this is the definition and embodiment of what ‘We Are’ is all about.”

“Jonathan Sutherland is one of the most respected players in our program and is what our program is all about. He’s a captain, dean’s list student, student, intelligent, and committed, and has two of the most supportive parents. I would be so blessed if my daughters married someone with his characteristics one day.”

Excellent statement and you know those are his genuine feelings. Thankful James Franklin is PSU's head coach.

 

[MWes11]

"I would like to open up with a statement, something that I was thinking about laying in bed last night, that I wanted to put out there. The football that I know, and love, brings people together and embraces differences. Black, white, brown, Catholic, Jewish, or Muslim, rich or poor, rural or urban, Republican or Democrat, long hair, short hair or no hair, they’re all in the locker room together."

"Teams all over the country are the purest form of humanity we have. We don’t judge. We embrace differences. We love, grow, and support each other. We’re a family. Penn State brings people together unlike few things on this planet. Fans throughout our region, from all different parts of our state, they are hugging and singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ together [at games]. This is my football. Ultimately, this is the definition and embodiment of what ‘We Are’ is all about.”

“Jonathan Sutherland is one of the most respected players in our program and is what our program is all about. He’s a captain, dean’s list student, student, intelligent, and committed, and has two of the most supportive parents. I would be so blessed if my daughters married someone with his characteristics one day.”

Perfect response. Well said, CJF

 

[Raffycorn]

There are a whole lot of Penn State fans out there who don't deserve to have James Franklin as their school's coach.

 

[Lion84]

What kind of a tool would have sent a letter like that to a player - that is no fan of PSU. Some clown who doesn’t like a players hair - blah blah blah when I was at PSU they had to cut their hair and couldn’t have any facial hair - yeah well we have cars now instead of the horse you rode in on.

 

[Ceasar]

Outstanding statement by coach. I'll make a prediction that we will not hear of these types of incidents in the future. I love Antonio, great kid, but this is twice now he has put things in the public domain which cast PSU fans in a bad light. I'm all for calling out people who exhibit the type of behavior these fans have used. My only problem with it is these things will be very aggressively used against PSU in recruiting by other teams. We can almost guarantee kids we are recruiting have already been sent screen shots of this latest episode with other schools asking why anyone would want to play for a program where this is how their fans will treat them. PSU has a lot of knuckleheads in the fan base, not sure if any more than other teams or not. But it is probably not a great strategic decision to air our dirty laundry in public and for a coach who cannot stand distractions, I would guess Coach has spoken with his team. Just my .02, others may disagree,

 

[bison13]

There are a whole lot of Penn State fans out there who don't deserve to have James Franklin as their school's coach.

They probably dont want him.

 

[odshowtime]

The key here is that we all looked bad for something we had nothing to do with. That's the key for PSU football and the shit media.

 

[GreggK]

They probably dont want him.

Don't get me wrong, I like James, I just wish he had more hair.

 

[ram2020]

Outstanding statement by coach. I'll make a prediction that we will not hear of these types of incidents in the future. I love Antonio, great kid, but this is twice now he has put things in the public domain which cast PSU fans in a bad light. I'm all for calling out people who exhibit the type of behavior these fans have used. My only problem with it is these things will be very aggressively used against PSU in recruiting by other teams. We can almost guarantee kids we are recruiting have already been sent screen shots of this latest episode with other schools asking why anyone would want to play for a program where this is how their fans will treat them. PSU has a lot of knuckleheads in the fan base, not sure if any more than other teams or not. But it is probably not a great strategic decision to air our dirty laundry in public and for a coach who cannot stand distractions, I would guess Coach has spoken with his team. Just my .02, others may disagree,

Great point. We have a lot of outspoken/smart young men on this team that feel compelled to use social media as a microphone at times, probably not different than all other kids their age, but you have to think about the repercussions and which battles to engage. Its a fine line, I'd feel like a total jerk suggesting that a player like Shelton be muted by a coach about a social justice or racist issue he feels strong about, but at the same time, it's brutal reading this story on news outlets today. Also, Franklin has to take time out of preparing for the game to address this stuff. I know I know, social justice concerns and racism trump football and the national perspective of the university, but does this have to be put out on social media? I get it, a lot of this stems from advancing public discourse, marginalized people now have a voice via social media and thats probably a good thing. This bozo has a voice too, but he sent it in a personal letter. I think John and antonio, as smart as they are, would have been better served, and spared the university some public backlash(which seems a monthly thing these days), if they used their more intelligent minds to write this guy a letter educating him about the world and pointing out where he was offensive and ignorant.

 

[ram2020]

The key here is that we all looked bad for something we had nothing to do with. That's the key for PSU football and the shit media.

That could be the definition of the University in total for the last 8 years.

 

[demlion]

Don't get me wrong, I like James, I just wish he had more hair.

Yeah, I don't like that shaved-head bullshit. These bald f*ckers all do that. Like they're special or something.

 

[Judge Smails]

 

[LaJolla Lion]

"I would like to open up with a statement, something that I was thinking about laying in bed last night, that I wanted to put out there. The football that I know, and love, brings people together and embraces differences. Black, white, brown, Catholic, Jewish, or Muslim, rich or poor, rural or urban, Republican or Democrat, long hair, short hair or no hair, they’re all in the locker room together."

"Teams all over the country are the purest form of humanity we have. We don’t judge. We embrace differences. We love, grow, and support each other. We’re a family. Penn State brings people together unlike few things on this planet. Fans throughout our region, from all different parts of our state, they are hugging and singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ together [at games]. This is my football. Ultimately, this is the definition and embodiment of what ‘We Are’ is all about.”

“Jonathan Sutherland is one of the most respected players in our program and is what our program is all about. He’s a captain, dean’s list student, student, intelligent, and committed, and has two of the most supportive parents. I would be so blessed if my daughters married someone with his characteristics one day.”

Hopefully that POS who wrote that nonsense sees or hears this and feels like $h!t. Well done coach, well done.

 

[RGWhirly]

Outstanding statement by coach. I'll make a prediction that we will not hear of these types of incidents in the future. I love Antonio, great kid, but this is twice now he has put things in the public domain which cast PSU fans in a bad light. I'm all for calling out people who exhibit the type of behavior these fans have used. My only problem with it is these things will be very aggressively used against PSU in recruiting by other teams. We can almost guarantee kids we are recruiting have already been sent screen shots of this latest episode with other schools asking why anyone would want to play for a program where this is how their fans will treat them. PSU has a lot of knuckleheads in the fan base, not sure if any more than other teams or not. But it is probably not a great strategic decision to air our dirty laundry in public and for a coach who cannot stand distractions, I would guess Coach has spoken with his team. Just my .02, others may disagree,

You are probably correct about other schools trying to use this again us, however I am also betting parents of potential future student athletes will also respond very well to CJF's comments and go I want a coach like that to lead and take care of my son.

 

[demlion]

You are probably correct about other schools trying to use this again us, however I am also betting parents of potential future student athletes will also respond very well to CJF's comments and go I want a coach like that to lead and take care of my son.

Agree. I would rather actually have it raised and dealt with forcefully and up front, than said and ignored.

 

[LaJolla Lion]

You are probably correct about other schools trying to use this again us, however I am also betting parents of potential future student athletes will also respond very well to CJF's comments and go I want a coach like that to lead and take care of my son.

Exactly, there isn't a school around that doesn't have some trash element to the fan base. Franklin really does to appear to have the kids backs. One thing that sucks is that the HC actually had to address this because some old goat thinks he owns the program or the HC's at PSU have to do any and everything Joe did.

 

[brupsu]

"I would like to open up with a statement, something that I was thinking about laying in bed last night, that I wanted to put out there. The football that I know, and love, brings people together and embraces differences. Black, white, brown, Catholic, Jewish, or Muslim, rich or poor, rural or urban, Republican or Democrat, long hair, short hair or no hair, they’re all in the locker room together."

"Teams all over the country are the purest form of humanity we have. We don’t judge. We embrace differences. We love, grow, and support each other. We’re a family. Penn State brings people together unlike few things on this planet. Fans throughout our region, from all different parts of our state, they are hugging and singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ together [at games]. This is my football. Ultimately, this is the definition and embodiment of what ‘We Are’ is all about.”

“Jonathan Sutherland is one of the most respected players in our program and is what our program is all about. He’s a captain, dean’s list student, student, intelligent, and committed, and has two of the most supportive parents. I would be so blessed if my daughters married someone with his characteristics one day.”

Took the high road as I would expect much respect for coach and the fine young men he has recruited.

 

[psuro]

Outstanding statement by coach. I'll make a prediction that we will not hear of these types of incidents in the future. I love Antonio, great kid, but this is twice now he has put things in the public domain which cast PSU fans in a bad light. I'm all for calling out people who exhibit the type of behavior these fans have used. My only problem with it is these things will be very aggressively used against PSU in recruiting by other teams. We can almost guarantee kids we are recruiting have already been sent screen shots of this latest episode with other schools asking why anyone would want to play for a program where this is how their fans will treat them. PSU has a lot of knuckleheads in the fan base, not sure if any more than other teams or not. But it is probably not a great strategic decision to air our dirty laundry in public and for a coach who cannot stand distractions, I would guess Coach has spoken with his team. Just my .02, others may disagree,

1. These types of incidents have been going on for as long as I can remember, and I am 54. It's whether anyone chooses to listen or not. This one got notoriety because of the manner in which it was communicated. The previous thread was deleted, but I had pointed out issues similar to this at Penn State going back to the early 1970s. They definitely go back before then, but that is as far back as I can remember.
2. We survived the Sandusky scandal - if this program can survive that, then what makes you think this issue will be any worse? And if recruiting is your biggest issue with this, then .... I don't know what to tell you.

 

[I am Ironman]

They probably dont want him.

They may get their wish in a few months. USC anyone?

 

[bdgan]

I'll make a prediction that we will not hear of these types of incidents in the future.

Why would we? We didn't hear about them in the past.

 

[Fac]

They may get their wish in a few months. USC anyone?

He is not going anywhere.

 

[Aardvark86]

"I would like to open up with a statement, something that I was thinking about laying in bed last night, that I wanted to put out there. The football that I know, and love, brings people together and embraces differences. Black, white, brown, Catholic, Jewish, or Muslim, rich or poor, rural or urban, Republican or Democrat, long hair, short hair or no hair, they’re all in the locker room together."

"Teams all over the country are the purest form of humanity we have. We don’t judge. We embrace differences. We love, grow, and support each other. We’re a family. Penn State brings people together unlike few things on this planet. Fans throughout our region, from all different parts of our state, they are hugging and singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ together [at games]. This is my football. Ultimately, this is the definition and embodiment of what ‘We Are’ is all about.”

“Jonathan Sutherland is one of the most respected players in our program and is what our program is all about. He’s a captain, dean’s list student, student, intelligent, and committed, and has two of the most supportive parents. I would be so blessed if my daughters married someone with his characteristics one day.”

Very strong and well-stated opener.

With that said, does anyone see even a smattering of irony in the general proposition that what is perhaps the ultimate tribal sport is our social unifier?

 

[Mister Magoo]

Proud of our coach.

 

[Ceasar]

1. These types of incidents have been going on for as long as I can remember, and I am 54. It's whether anyone chooses to listen or not. This one got notoriety because of the manner in which it was communicated. The previous thread was deleted, but I had pointed out issues similar to this at Penn State going back to the early 1970s. They definitely go back before then, but that is as far back as I can remember.
2. We survived the Sandusky scandal - if this program can survive that, then what makes you think this issue will be any worse? And if recruiting is your biggest issue with this, then .... I don't know what to tell you.

ro, my thought is the guy who sent that letter is a mid-70 year old who obvioulsy has some really serious issues, so much so that he apparently took the time to get an address for one of our players to send him a personal letter. I don't believe we always have to respond to the lowest common denominator in society. It is sad that there are PSU fans out there who do not have the backs of the players and coaches. Just a few weeks ago someone posted about a lound mouth sitting near the parents section who was saying derogatory things about players and coaches, in front of the parents. That's shameful. Same for the guy who yelled something at Shelton and now this knucklehead. If we are going to publicize every one of these incidents it is going to be very ugly for PSU because I feel quite certain there are probably a dozen of these things occurring every week on or around campus. I personally would not dignify these things by airing them publicly because I think it's a bad look for Penn State, though maybe an accurate look.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Proud of our coach.

That’s my coach!!

 

[PSU Dave]

That’s my coach!!

LMAO. Well done.

 

[Waste Management Consultant]

Franklin is a good man and a great ambassador for the Penn State brand.

 

[PSU Dave]

Exactly, there isn't a school around that doesn't have some trash element to the fan base. Franklin really does to appear to have the kids backs. One thing that sucks is that the HC actually had to address this because some old goat thinks he owns the program or the HC's at PSU have to do any and everything Joe did.

Exactly! Like Lombardi would tell his Players. “This is the way it is. If you don’t like it, there’s a bus leaving Green Bay at the top of every hour”.

 

[NittanyIllinois]

He was clearly emotional at the end of that statement, which brings home a key point here: say what you want about Dave's right to free speech and the need for "snowflakes" to get over it (as so many here have suggested), but these kinds of sentiments are not new to many young black men.......and they're incredibly hurtful. Especially when directed at a young man of outstanding character like Jonathan Sutherland.

So proud of Coach Franklin's approach, his ability to communicate, and his character. I'm one who still isn't 100% secure in the direction of the program (I'm 90% there), but I'm 100% sold on his ability to represent the university well and carry on the "success with honor" legacy.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

They may get their wish in a few months. USC anyone?

What’s with this CONSTANT USC CRAP?

It ain’t happening!

 

[Cosmos]

And if recruiting is your biggest issue with this, then .... I don't know what to tell you.

^^ This, and...

Same for the guy who yelled something at Shelton and now this knucklehead. If we are going to publicize every one of these incidents it is going to be very ugly for PSU because I feel quite certain there are probably a dozen of these things occurring every week on or around campus.

^^ This. ^^^

Thank you, guys!

Sadly, we got played again like a cheap fiddle. We're letting the social media lynch mob control the narrative and amplify only the bad. Is it any wonder we are perceived as having a "culture problem." Let's see if I can express this without incurring the wrath of Gestapo.

I don't know Mr. Peterson's motivation. I must take what he says at face value when he says, "I would just like to see the coaches get the guys cleaned up and not looking like Florida State and Miami guys." It would be prejudicial for me to think otherwise. Fact is, until today I didn't give Johnathan's hair or players' tattoos any thought. But I would like to think we still attract a student athlete of a different caliber than FSU (#125) or Miami (#77); someone who values an education and makes the most of his time while here...

https://collegefootballnews.com/2018/05/2018-ncaa-academic-progress-rate-football-apr-rankings

Color me old school but I think the administration missed a prime opportunity here. They could've said something along the lines of this: we won't let the views of one fan bully a student athlete and therefore, we're banning him from attending future events on campus, athletic or otherwise. Instead they chose a canned response...

Soon after Shelton posted the letter, Penn State officials responded, via Twitter: "While we don’t know the source of this letter or the authenticity, obviously its content does not align with our values. We strongly condemn this message or any message of intolerance."

IMO Sandy does a much better job keeping it about individual expression...

On Tuesday morning, Athletic Director Sandy Barbour also showed support for Sutherland via Twitter: "I stand with our Penn State student athletes and appreciate how they represent PSU in competition, in the classroom and in the community. Their dress, tattoos, or hairstyle has no impact on my support, nor does their gender, skin color, sexuality or religion!"

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nc...-racist-fan-letter/ar-AAItmdw?ocid=spartanntp

I thank you.

 

[Parf]

There are a whole lot of Penn State fans out there who don't deserve to have James Franklin as their school's coach.

"I would like to open up with a statement, something that I was thinking about laying in bed last night, that I wanted to put out there. The football that I know, and love, brings people together and embraces differences. Black, white, brown, Catholic, Jewish, or Muslim, rich or poor, rural or urban, Republican or Democrat, long hair, short hair or no hair, they’re all in the locker room together."

"Teams all over the country are the purest form of humanity we have. We don’t judge. We embrace differences. We love, grow, and support each other. We’re a family. Penn State brings people together unlike few things on this planet. Fans throughout our region, from all different parts of our state, they are hugging and singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ together [at games]. This is my football. Ultimately, this is the definition and embodiment of what ‘We Are’ is all about.”

“Jonathan Sutherland is one of the most respected players in our program and is what our program is all about. He’s a captain, dean’s list student, student, intelligent, and committed, and has two of the most supportive parents. I would be so blessed if my daughters married someone with his characteristics one day.”

 

[walleye38]

"I would like to open up with a statement, something that I was thinking about laying in bed last night, that I wanted to put out there. The football that I know, and love, brings people together and embraces differences. Black, white, brown, Catholic, Jewish, or Muslim, rich or poor, rural or urban, Republican or Democrat, long hair, short hair or no hair, they’re all in the locker room together."

"Teams all over the country are the purest form of humanity we have. We don’t judge. We embrace differences. We love, grow, and support each other. We’re a family. Penn State brings people together unlike few things on this planet. Fans throughout our region, from all different parts of our state, they are hugging and singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ together [at games]. This is my football. Ultimately, this is the definition and embodiment of what ‘We Are’ is all about.”

“Jonathan Sutherland is one of the most respected players in our program and is what our program is all about. He’s a captain, dean’s list student, student, intelligent, and committed, and has two of the most supportive parents. I would be so blessed if my daughters married someone with his characteristics one day.”

There are idiots from every walk of life. Even Penn State alumni. The people that wrote the letter are the minority. I am white and have two black grandsons, they have dredlocks, does that mean I am supposed to hate them. Stupid people.

 

[Parf]

My 2 cents
—I am super happy that JF is our coach. More than just your typical jock coach, ala Urban Meyer, Nick Saban. But, make no mistake, he is a darn good coach. And, one that is very socially aware. Love it.
—I smell dirty play from some PSU hater

 

[LionsandBear]

Excellent statement and you know those are his genuine feelings. Thankful James Franklin is PSU's head coach.

Amen! People like this Peterson guy have no idea of the true meaning of "WE ARE" but CJF does. Franklin embodies all that is right about Penn State. We are blessed to have him representing our school and these young gentlemen on this team!

WE ARE!

 

[ILLINOISLION]

I thought Franklin’s response today was absolutely spot-on, very very well done.

Insofar as the letter-writer himself, every athletic team (college or pro) will certainly have an individual like him in their fan base. EVERY team has a complete cross-section of our country’s diverse population, good and bad. That’s NEVER going to change.

 

[Cosmos]

There are idiots from every walk of life. Even Penn State alumni. The people that wrote the letter are the minority. I am white and have two black grandsons, they have dredlocks, does that mean I am supposed to hate them. Stupid people.

I agree. What gives us a right to make presumptions about people who don't have the benefit of your experience. But somehow this one is different? Why? Because Peterson is an old white guy from Western PA and therefore, he must be a racist. Golly gee, I wonder who taught us that false narrative!

Look, all I'm saying is don't be guilty of doing what you claim to be against, and that's prejudice. Better to kick this Peterson guy off campus for 'penning' a personal letter to a student athlete over his appearance! Who in their right mind does that.

Lastly, I'm thinking Johnathan's dad has already asked Peterson to meet him at Gate A.

I thank you.

 

[Class of 67]

"I would like to open up with a statement, something that I was thinking about laying in bed last night, that I wanted to put out there. The football that I know, and love, brings people together and embraces differences. Black, white, brown, Catholic, Jewish, or Muslim, rich or poor, rural or urban, Republican or Democrat, long hair, short hair or no hair, they’re all in the locker room together."

"Teams all over the country are the purest form of humanity we have. We don’t judge. We embrace differences. We love, grow, and support each other. We’re a family. Penn State brings people together unlike few things on this planet. Fans throughout our region, from all different parts of our state, they are hugging and singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ together [at games]. This is my football. Ultimately, this is the definition and embodiment of what ‘We Are’ is all about.”

“Jonathan Sutherland is one of the most respected players in our program and is what our program is all about. He’s a captain, dean’s list student, student, intelligent, and committed, and has two of the most supportive parents. I would be so blessed if my daughters married someone with his characteristics one day.”

And while I think about it, GET OFF MY LAWN! The Paterno days had its place. Times change. I hope the letter writer is not Dodger or Mets fan!

 

[Madsol]

And while I think about it, GET OFF MY LAWN! The Paterno days had its place. Times change. I hope the letter writer is not Dodger or Mets fan!

What in the world does this letter-writing fool's ideas have to do with "the Paterno days?" Let me save you the trouble...nothing.