Penn State FB Coach Literally Walks Away From Mic When Asked About Players Arrested for Rape — Then School Rep Berates Reporters in Wild Presser
Penn State football coach James Franklin declined to answer questions about former players being charged with rape, and a university official snapped at reporters for asking him about it.
Back in July, a 17-year-old female Penn State student reported that she was raped. According to the student, the assault took place at the Nittany Apartments — specifically in the apartment of football players Jameial Lyons and Kaveion Keys. The two were dismissed in August.
According to docket sheets obtained Tuesday by The Athletic, both men were charged with felony counts of rape and other sex crimes. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 30.
At the beginning of Franklin’s post-practice media availability Wednesday, university assistant athletic director for football communications and content Greg Kincaid read a statement regarding the recent arrests. The statement ended with, “Our program and athletic department will have no further comment.”
That didn’t stop reporters from trying to get a comment from Franklin, who immediately walked away from the microphone to let Kincaid speak on his behalf.
“We’ve released a university statement already. Do I need to read the statement again?” Kincaid said before reading the statement again.
As soon as Kincaid finished speaking, Franklin walked back up to the mic, greeted the reporters, and asked, “Any questions?”
The very next question was also about the case, prompting Franklin to once again walked away and hand it over to Kincaid.
“Again, guys, the university already released a statement!” Kincaid said. “If you need the statement, reach out to me or Chris. We’ll have no further comment.”
And again, Franklin walked to the mic with a “Hey, guys” as if nothing happened.
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