Is this amateur hour at its finest?

[SleepyLion]

Who ******* cares. It means nothing and will have zero impact on anything. If you care about what Ian Rappaport or anyone else is tweeting about this story, that's your problem.

Go State! Beat Wisconsin!

If PSU loses does someone ask the question duringthe post-game presser, "Was dealing with the two players who were charged with rape this past week a distraction to you, your staff, or any of the players on the current roster?"

If this was asked to this board it would be an emphatic "YES!"

 

[Erial_Lion]

If PSU loses does someone ask the question duringthe post-game presser, "Was dealing with the two players who were charged with rape this past week a distraction to you, your staff, or any of the players on the current roster?"

If this was asked to this board it would be an emphatic "YES!"

I don't think it will necessarily take a loss for someone to ask about it. And I wouldn't be surprised if he opened with a quick, prepared statement about it.

 

[SleepyLion]

I don't think it will necessarily take a loss for someone to ask about it. And I wouldn't be surprised if he opened with a quick, prepared statement about it.

You don't think he will double down on walking away from the podium and using the communications guy to make the statement from the side?

 

[Erial_Lion]

You don't think he will double down on walking away from the podium and using the communications guy to make the statement from the side?

Nope. Something like "Guys, I want to apologize for Wednesday. I'm sorry we didn't handle it better and I have a lot of respect for the job you're doing. Thanks for being here to cover Penn State football and asking tough questions. I'd love to answer them, but I've been told that I can't make any comments while we let the legal process play out. This will be my last comment on the matter at this time, so what questions do you have about tonight's game?"

 

[SleepyLion]

Nope. Something like "Guys, I want to apologize for Wednesday. I'm sorry we didn't handle it better and I have a lot of respect for the job you're doing. Thanks for being here to cover Penn State football and asking tough questions. I'd love to answer them, but I've been told that I can't make any comments while we let the legal process play out. This will be my last comment on the matter at this time, so what questions do you have about tonight's win game?"

I hope that is what it sounds like. except for the one change i suggest.

If he does it just more proof of the BWI board's influence on the program and the CJF reads these posts.

 

[Georgia Peach]

To me this is fairly simple from the Franklin perspective. The two players in question were dismissed from the team. What else can the coach possibly do or say beyond that fact? He is no longer their coach. It is a university issue at present and for the foreseeable future. Expecting a coach to comment publicly about his employer's legal matters is asinine.

The optics over how this state of affairs was handled at the press conference could be debated I guess. But don't you end up at the same place no matter how the microphone dance was conducted?

 

[Erial_Lion]

I hope that is what it sounds like. except for the one change i suggest.

If he does it just more proof of the BWI board's influence on the program and the CJF reads these posts.

Sounds like a good edit to me!

I was already convinced that BWI drives the Athletic Department back in 2021 when I proposed Micah Shrewsberry as my favorite candidate for the Men's Basketball job the day after Chambers was fired, and Sandy took my advice. We can only hope that Mr. Kraft gives the same level of value to our suggestions.

 

[Erial_Lion]

To me this is fairly simple from the Franklin perspective. The two players in question were dismissed from the team. What else can the coach possibly do or say beyond that fact? He is no longer their coach. It is a university issue at present and for the foreseeable future. Expecting a coach to comment publicly about his employer's legal matters is asinine.

The optics over how this state of affairs was handled at the press conference could be debated I guess. But don't you end up at the same place no matter how the microphone dance was conducted?

Nope...handle it like a "normal" athletic department handles it, and it's not front page news and a soundbite for everyone to weigh in on as they laugh at/criticize us. Franklin says "sorry, I've been advised that I'm not able to answer any questions on that matter" a couple of times, and it doesn't make it out of Center County.

 

[WestSideLion]

Franklin is a PSU employee. He's beholden to how the University brass wants to handle this. I suspect this was a Legal/HR/Comms decision above him. He could be fired or reprimanded for going off script.

Why should he risk that? So some reporter can hear him personally state what the University already released? To quote Ricky Watters, "For who? For what?"

 

[BobPSU92]

If PSU loses does someone ask the question duringthe post-game presser, "Was dealing with the two players who were charged with rape this past week a distraction to you, your staff, or any of the players on the current roster?"

If this was asked to this board it would be an emphatic "YES!"

An AD rep. will start by saying, “We are not here to discuss the ongoing legal matter or the loss to wisconsin. Please limit your questions to other topics. Thank you.”

 

[BobPSU92]

Franklin is a PSU employee. He's beholden to how the University brass wants to handle this. I suspect this was a Legal/HR/Comms decision above him. He could be fired or reprimanded for going off script.

 

[Midnighter]

Kirby Smart gave a statement when his players accidentally killed someone while racing cars. He answered questions from the press about the culture of his football program. This was in March, two months after the event occurred. We are about that far removed from this incident. Yes, there is a legal process to play out and if Franklin can't say anything he's more than capable of saying that himself.

 

[grinagrin]

Kirby Smart gave a statement when his players accidentally killed someone while racing cars. He answered questions from the press about the culture of his football program. This was in March, two months after the event occurred. We are about that far removed from this incident. Yes, there is a legal process to play out and if Franklin can't say anything he's more than capable of saying that himself.

But what difference does it make whether Franklin says he can’t/won’t talk about it or a University Spokesperson says it?

 

[SleepyLion]

But what difference does it make whether Franklin says he can’t/won’t talk about it or a University Spokesperson says it?

Optics is one.

 

[CDLionFL]

I'm late to this thread and I think there are a number of great points that have been made. I've sat in a ton of press conferences over the years and asked questions (mostly easy ones) in lots of them, so I'm going to give my perspective on this from that side of the microphone.

I was disappointed for Audrey's actions as well as those like Wolken, Rap, and Mandel who have fanned the flames further. I think a lot of reporters go into things with too narrow a focus instead of seeing the bigger picture. If the spokesperson comes out and gives the statement and no questions can be asked about it, I would be dismayed but if I've covered other legal proceedings in the past, I'd totally understand that a defense lawyer would seize on ANYTHING Franklin might say or do in order to help his client's case. Someone said asking about when he found out about the case and the process of dismissal. No chance he can answer that question because a lawyer will poke all kinds of holes in it. To me, reporters haven't quite grasped the whole legal concept of this. That's not to say that the questions they have are bad questions. There are a lot of questions I'd want Franklin to answer but I understand that it might be the summer or longer before he could even think of answering them. If I was one of the other writers on the beat, I'd have been mad at Audrey because Franklin could have easily just ended the media scrum (something that is done EVERY Wednesday after practice) due to one person's perceived misconduct. I've given more than one writer the side eye over the years for railroading a scrum with their own story agenda. Audrey is well within her right to do her job and ask questions and KEEP her media credential (you really think revoking it would be a good idea?) but I would have hoped some common sense would have kicked in once the spokesperson referred to the statement after Sauber first asked about it.

I will also agree that Franklin's theatrics was a terrible look and what has made all of this blow up. While a defense lawyer will look for anything to use for their case, Franklin simply standing there and giving Audrey a 'please refer to the statement' is pretty safe. I'm in agreement with @BiochemPSU that there needs to be some clearing up just so it can temper some of the negative press but also to maybe remind the scribblers about legal processes they may have conveniently forgotten. Though, it is a couple hours from that designated Friday news dump time so perhaps it's on its way. Unfortunately, some writer - national or otherwise - will target this as the biggest distraction if PSU loses tomorrow night.

OK, enough diatribe about something that could have easily been avoided on both sides. Let's get a win tomorrow night.

 

[grinagrin]

Optics is one.

Petty

 

[grinagrin]

Optics is one.

Splitting hairs

 

[BiochemPSU]

I'm late to this thread and I think there are a number of great points that have been made. I've sat in a ton of press conferences over the years and asked questions (mostly easy ones) in lots of them, so I'm going to give my perspective on this from that side of the microphone.

I was disappointed for Audrey's actions as well as those like Wolken, Rap, and Mandel who have fanned the flames further. I think a lot of reporters go into things with too narrow a focus instead of seeing the bigger picture. If the spokesperson comes out and gives the statement and no questions can be asked about it, I would be dismayed but if I've covered other legal proceedings in the past, I'd totally understand that a defense lawyer would seize on ANYTHING Franklin might say or do in order to help his client's case. Someone said asking about when he found out about the case and the process of dismissal. No chance he can answer that question because a lawyer will poke all kinds of holes in it. To me, reporters haven't quite grasped the whole legal concept of this. That's not to say that the questions they have are bad questions. There are a lot of questions I'd want Franklin to answer but I understand that it might be the summer or longer before he could even think of answering them. If I was one of the other writers on the beat, I'd have been mad at Audrey because Franklin could have easily just ended the media scrum (something that is done EVERY Wednesday after practice) due to one person's perceived misconduct. I've given more than one writer the side eye over the years for railroading a scrum with their own story agenda. Audrey is well within her right to do her job and ask questions and KEEP her media credential (you really think revoking it would be a good idea?) but I would have hoped some common sense would have kicked in once the spokesperson referred to the statement after Sauber first asked about it.

I will also agree that Franklin's theatrics was a terrible look and what has made all of this blow up. While a defense lawyer will look for anything to use for their case, Franklin simply standing there and giving Audrey a 'please refer to the statement' is pretty safe. I'm in agreement with @BiochemPSU that there needs to be some clearing up just so it can temper some of the negative press but also to maybe remind the scribblers about legal processes they may have conveniently forgotten. Though, it is a couple hours from that designated Friday news dump time so perhaps it's on its way. Unfortunately, some writer - national or otherwise - will target this as the biggest distraction if PSU loses tomorrow night.

OK, enough diatribe about something that could have easily been avoided on both sides. Let's get a win tomorrow night.

Amen.

 

[SleepyLion]

Petty

Isn't everything outside of God, country, family, and health?

Another reason is controlling the narrative. I think if CJF spoke for himself this would not be the story that it is.

 

[AvgUser]

It's their job to ask. The whole point of having a press conference is to let them ask questions. If you don't want them to ask questions, don't hold a press conference.

But if you’re told TWICE beforehand that there will be no comment, why do you bother?

 

[EPC FAN]

I had the opposite take. He seemed like he was waiting for it to come up and knew that he was going to immediately yield to the PSU spokesman (not sure who that is). He started walking away before the first question was finished.

He should have replied “you’re a nasty person,” or “you’re a lightweight,” or “that’s an unfair question, you give Ryan Day softballs, never ask him tough questions.”

 

[Auxgym]

That's the job of every coach in the country...they can deflect or not answer the questions, but I'd hope the media at least asks about it. Coaches get very defensive about this stuff (I remember Chambers laying into Mark Brennan when he asked questions about Mike Watkins after he had gotten arrested). Or Joe would just send Jeff Nelson out to lie, and tell us that Mo Humph was on the plane.

What comment could James Franklin possibly make to address this situation in a better way?

Are any of these better answers?

"I think we should hang em for doing this"
"I told them they can't do this kind of thing"
"The two players in question have been nothing but trouble since they arrived"
"We are better off without them"
"Our thoughts are with the victims" which in effect would be saying the players are guilty without a trial.

or with the liability situation what it is in this Country, should the University keep comments to a minimum regarding legal matters until they play out. Isn't removing players from the team and university enough?

I'm pretty sure that in this Country a person is still innocent until proven guilty. If they are proven guilty, what more can Franklin say that it's an unfortunate situation that is the result of People making bad decisions? To say an employee of the University should comment on a legal matter that took place after hours just because a reporter wants to rake the muck is absurd.

 

[BobPSU92]

What comment could James Franklin possibly make to address this situation in a better way?

Are any of these better answers?

"I think we should hang em for doing this"
"I told them they can't do this kind of thing"
"The two players in question have been nothing but trouble since they arrived"
"We are better off without them"
"Our thoughts are with the victims" which in effect would be saying the players are guilty without a trial.

or with the liability situation what it is in this Country, should the University keep comments to a minimum regarding legal matters until they play out. Isn't removing players from the team and university enough?

I'm pretty sure that in this Country a person is still innocent until proven guilty. If they are proven guilty, what more can Franklin say that it's an unfortunate situation that is the result of People making bad decisions? To say an employee of the University should comment on a legal matter that took place after hours just because a reporter wants to rake the muck is absurd.

Franklin: “I’m sure it’s all just a misunderstanding.”

 

[Auxgym]

You want to see a BS/CYA take from Audrey?

Again, she posted the video before the presser was even over.

Best case for Audrey is that she is showing just how nieve she is if she thinks the University should comment. Worst case for Audrey is she is a muck raking hack.

Maybe Audrey should tell the world what James Franklin should say? Or maybe Audrey should comment on what she would have done from the beginning to the end of the two players at Penn State?

 

[Marshall2323]

Unlike some here I do have an issue with asking the questions. #1 They were told there would be no comment! The podcast posse took opposite sides of the podium in an orchestrated attempt to entice James into saying something....anything that would implicate him in scandal. "When" did you hear or know about this? Because they are trying to be the 2024 version of Ganim. Can we nail him on a delay....did he do anything to help the accused..... Bottom line, they had no other motive than to elicit a comment that would explode on the national scene, take down Franklin and embroil PSU in a Sandusky like scandal. Have no problem? Screw them. I will never watch, listen or read anything associated with those misanthropes. I love "journalism." No certification required.
It was nothing but a "look at me" moment that they hoped would propel them into national prominence. Similar to that snot nose punk Corey Geiger hoping to be the darling of ESPN as they destroyed Joe.

 

[Marshall2323]

True, but a story about former players accused of a crime would disappear in a day or so until their trial started again.

Franklin and the PSU PR rep just threw a softball down the center of the plate for ESPN to create a new story and run with it. It’s no longer what 2 former players allegedly did, but how Franklin appears to not really care. We all know that’s BS but you know what the media and twitterverse will do with that.

When you are dealing with felonies and the potential of multi million dollar civil suit settlements, your legal counsel will instruct you precisely how to proceed. In 52 years dealing with school districts.....I have never seen a superintendent of schools or board of education defy the instructions of its legal team. But, of course, do your own thing. By the way (not that I know enough to have an opinion) but, what if the accused are not guilty?
Before X we used to have the presumption of innocence?

 

[Marshall2323]

Is Franklin paid with taxpayer money? That’s how I’m reading the comment from Rapoport.

We have lots of people who are paid with taxpayer's money.....and when they do speak....they lie. Ironically, they get elected year after year.

 

[Midnighter]

FWIW, Audrey’s podcast barely touched on this interaction save a quick mention at the beginning (less than one minute total - here’s the transcript):


“Hello, and welcome to The Nittany Dispatch. I am Jon Sauber, Penn State beat writer at Centre Daily Times. She is Audrey Snyder of The Athletic.

Quick note before we dive into Penn State, Wisconsin, which we will be primarily discussing on today's episode. Two former Penn State players were charged with violent sex crimes this week. The criminal complaint came out, so the affidavit of probable cause came out, I believe, on Wednesday.

That is obviously a very serious issue, one that should be taken seriously. Wanted to make note of that, obviously, a sensitive subject matter that Jermell Lyons and Kavion Keynes were both charged with rape and were on Penn State's roster when that happened. Penn State's roster when the alleged crime is alleged to be committed, but outside of that, we will be discussing Penn State versus Wisconsin this week.”

From The Nittany Dispatch: A Penn State Football Podcast: Penn State at Wisconsin Preview, Oct 24, 2024

This material may be protected by copyright.

 

[Erial_Lion]

What comment could James Franklin possibly make to address this situation in a better way?

Are any of these better answers?

"I think we should hang em for doing this"
"I told them they can't do this kind of thing"
"The two players in question have been nothing but trouble since they arrived"
"We are better off without them"
"Our thoughts are with the victims" which in effect would be saying the players are guilty without a trial.

“Sorry guys, but as Greg/Kris said, I’m not able to make any comments at this time. This is a very serious legal matter and we’re letting the proper people handle it. Any questions about Wisconsin?”

Never goes viral, and you didn’t actually say anything. It’s not rocket science.

 

[Grant Green]

“Sorry guys, but as Greg/Kris said, I’m not able to make any comments at this time. This is a very serious legal matter and we’re letting the proper people handle it. Any questions about Wisconsin?”

Never goes viral, and you didn’t actually say anything. It’s not rocket science.

Nailed it