Penn State AD Pat Kraft walked onto the field after Penn State’s 22-21 loss to Northwestern on Saturday, but didn’t cross paths with head coach James Franklin. They were not side by side during the singing of the alma mater like they have at times in the past. And they did not communicate between the time the game ended and when Franklin vanished into the locker room.
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And on some level, Franklin acknowledged that when he was asked if he thought being at Penn State was best for his career.
“I take full responsibility for what’s happened tonight,” he said. “I take full responsibility for what’s happened this season, and I’m committed to the guys in that locker room.”
Committed to the guys in that locker room. But no mention of Penn State, no mention of the administration, no mention of the fans. No direct answer to the question.
[First outlet that has reported on that non-answer.]
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But it’s not just about the professional aspect for Franklin. There’s the personal element to this, too. ...
[Yes. James Franklin has never done a wrong thing in his life. Never been arrested, never a scandal, a good human being. And yet, see immediately below...]
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He’s been heckled for years, but that reached a new level as he entered the south tunnel of Beaver Stadium, with fans lining his walk to the locker room. He heard it all again like always when he loses: “F--- you James,” “You’re a f------ fraud,” “I can’t wait until they fire you.” But at least, this time, his daughter didn’t hear it. He sent her ahead of him, likely so she wouldn’t have insults — or worse — hurled her way.
[He doesn't deserve that. How is he a fraud? He'a not a fraud. I get the Fire Franklin chants. He didn't reach the mountain top. Totally warranted. But that? No.]
The routine accosting has taken a toll, even if the results might merit it.
[That's right on both counts. And on whom would it not take a personal toll?]
He wore a look of exhaustion Saturday night — eyes lowered, frown prevalent — as he stood in the middle of the field after the loss. He hugged his players as they walked past, with more than a few saying “I love you, Coach” as they embraced. And he stood there, waiting for all of them to exit the playing surface before he made that trip down the tunnel.
[See previous X post. And these:]
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Because even he acknowledged to the players postgame that what comes next could get ugly. Defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton said as much.
“Just that he loves us, he’d do anything for us,” Dennis-Sutton said when asked what Franklin told them postgame. “And now it’s gonna be a whole ‘nother level of problems.”
https://amp.centredaily.com/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-football/article312459812.html
