James Franklin reacts to Sean Clifford's recent comments about player unionization

Penn State head coach James Franklin addressed the role of his quarterback, Sean Clifford, in “unionization” talks with the College Football Player’s Association at Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday. Though he didn’t share specifics or details on the talks with the Big Ten, he says he’s proud of his players’ leadership and the dialogue within the program.

“One of the things I did want to address is some of the reports that were made about Sean Clifford and the Big Ten improving athlete benefits,” Franklin said. “I’m very, very proud of the relationships that we have with our players at Penn State. It’s something that I truly believe in, having these open discussions and dialogue with your players is important. Pat (Kraft) has got on campus and jumped in with both feet, he has done a really good job in a short period of time in developing those relationships.

“To me, that’s the nature of college athletics and college football right now. You better be willing and able to have discussions that maybe we haven’t had in the past. There’s been more changes in college football in the last three years than probably in the previous 25… I’m very blessed and fortunate to had a team and an administration that’s willing to have these conversations. At the end of the day, our players, and specifically Sean, want what’s best for collegiate athletics, for Penn State and the Big Ten, so I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

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Sean Clifford releases statement on CFBPA

Clifford released a statement about the situation on Friday evening, clarifying his role within the CFBPA. He said the talks of the College Football Player’s Association described as a union are inaccurate, even though he has been in discussions with Penn State and the Big Ten. Additionally, Clifford said he is excited about “working together” to evolve in the industry.

“As a student-athlete at Penn State, and a member of the football team, I have had very positive and open discussions with Coach Franklin, Director of Athletics Pat Kraft, and Big Ten Conference Commissioner Kevin Warren about the changing landscape of college sports and how those changes are, and will continue to, impact-student athletes.

“It is important to state that my dialogues with my coach, athletic director, and commissioner were conducted as a student-athlete. To characterize my dialogues as being on behalf of a union or as a union member would be inaccurate.

“In the last 90 days, the CFBPA presented interesting ideas to me and my teammates with the goal of joining the college football player’s association. However, at this time, I along with many players are committed to working at the campus and conference level to address the complexities of college athletics for student-athletes.”