James Franklin defends postgame interaction with Penn State fan: 'I'm good with that'

Fans inside Beaver Stadium were not happy with James Franklin on Saturday, losing another game to Ohio State. People were booing and even calling for the Penn State head coach to be fired. At one point, Franklin had a one-on-one interaction with a fan, going up to them before leaving the field.

Asked about the confrontation on Monday, Franklin said he was okay with how the moment unfolded.

“The interaction, I’m really good with it,” Franklin said. “Someone is screaming at me and my daughter within a couple feet as we’re walking off the field. I’m good with that, it comes with the territory.”

Frustration is nothing too new following these games for Penn State as Franklin does not have the best record against Ohio State, let alone top-five opponents. Franklin has certainly faced his fair share of criticism both online and in person.

While the fan on Saturday was certainly making his thoughts known as Franklin passed by, there was only one question coming back on the rebuttal. Franklin wanted to put a name to the face, similar to what he believes should be the case when giving out opinions on social media.

Once approached by the head coach, there was not much more of a conversation.

“I asked the young man what his name was,” Franklin said. “To me, it’s like posting something. If you’re going to post something, post it with your picture and your name and own what you post. If you’re going to say something, own it.

“I just asked the gentlemen what his name was. Started stuttering, backed up, and didn’t say his name. So, critiques and opinions come and that’s part of the territory, I get it. I just asked the young man what his name was.”

Franklin and the Nittany Lions will be back in front of the Happy Valley home crowd on Saturday, welcoming Washington to town. Hopefully, the mood is a little more cheery as Penn State looks to get back to winning ways.