Penn State football coach James Franklin, at his weekly press conference Monday, addressed two fan interactions that happened Saturday in State College and went viral.
The first one happened before the Nittany Lions’ game against Ohio State near Beaver Stadium.
Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce was filmed smashing a fan’s cell phone after the fan used a slur when asking about Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, his younger brother, and pop superstar Taylor Swift.
“I saw something with Jason Kelce,” Franklin said. “I wanted him to have a wonderful experience. I didn’t get a chance to meet him or see him. I saw something that I wasn’t very proud of. I wished that didn’t happen.
“But it’s also 2024. I love that there was a consequence to that person’s action. It comes with the territory, but that doesn’t make it right.”
The second interaction came immediately after Penn State’s 20-13 loss to Ohio State. One fan in the student section stood above the tunnel in the south end zone and yelled something at Franklin and one of his daughters as they walked off the field.
“If you’re gonna be man enough to talk, what’s your name?” Franklin responded.
He did not apologize for the spat with the fan.
“I’m good with that,” he said Monday. “Someone’s screaming at me and my daughter within a couple feet (of them) as we’re walking off the field. I’m good with that. That comes with the territory. I asked the young man what his name was.
“To me, it’s like posting something. Post it with your picture and your name. Own what you post. If you’re going to say something, own it. He started stuttering and backed up.”
Unsportsmanlike call: Franklin said he did not ask the Big Ten to review the unsportsmanlike conduct call on cornerback Elliot Washington II in the second quarter because “I know what the response would be.”
Washington tackled Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate after a 7-yard gain on third-and-9. As he stood up, Washington momentarily stood over Tate and was flagged.
According to the NCAA, taunting has been a point of emphasis this season.
“Technically, by the rules, there’s justification for making that call,” Franklin said. “I also watch college football not only on TV but tons of hours of cutups. That call could be made five or six times a game in every game in college football.”
“It needs to be addressed in a team meeting,” Franklin said. “Not only does the player learn, but the whole team learns. It needs to be addressed with the individual, which it has, and it needs to be addressed with the group, which it has.”
Safety Jaylen Reed committed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for the second straight game after Zion Tracy’s 31-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Buckeyes.
Game times: The time for Penn State’s next two games have been announced.
The Nittany Lions’ home game against Washington this Saturday will have an 8 p.m. kickoff and will be televised by Peacock, a streaming service.
Penn State’s game Nov. 16 at Purdue will have a 3:30 p.m. kickoff and will be carried by CBS.
