Tweeted earlier today by Penn State starting quarterback Matt McGloin:
If I have learned anything from this game, it is: “tough times don’t last, tough people do.” This program has been through some hard times. I and many others, have stayed here out of love for this university; its academic programs, teammates, our wonderful fans and tremendous student body. We, as student-athletes, are being punished for going to class, graduating, being involved in the community and playing football.
Even though these penalties are extremely harsh, I am a Nittany Lion and will remain one. I believe in the core values I have learned in this program. It is not Nittany Lion Football. It is Nittany Lion family. I encourage all players, recruits, and supporters to stay committed to the greatest football program in America. Scholarships and bowl games cannot destroy the fabric of our family. Coach O’Brien and his staff will lead us through this difficult time. All I ask is for the fans to continue to believe in us. WE ARE!
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BigAl says
Matt better watch his step. Terms like “being punished” and “extremely harsh” punishment don’t fit into Erickson and Joyner’s program of abject submission and groveling at foot of the NCAA. Didn’t Joyner’s statement say the sanction’s were “just?” (What a whore)
Nevertheless, McGloin should be commended for his leadership.
The Nittany Turkey says
I hope we see some strong leadership emerging from other unlikely places. Perhaps the team hardship with strengthen their mutual bonds (at least the returning players) and keep PSU competitive for one more season before the roof completely caves in.
—TNT
Joe says
Remember the University of Kentucky basketball run-in with the NCAA in the late ’80’s? There is an eerie similarity with what they were faced with and how they responded and the results, even their selection of a coach!
I still may be too much of an optimist, but I believe Moses O’Brien is the one to get us through the desert in maybe less time than everyone thinks.
Anyway, here’s the UK story.
http://www.aseaofblue.com/2012/3/28/2889948/kentucky-wildcat-basketball-the-unforgettables-20-years-ago-today
The Nittany Turkey says
Coincidentally, I was just on the phone with zbeard talking about that Kentucky story. It is indeed inspirational, and gives us some hope in a similar situation.
I’d love to see some uncharacteristic leadership and spirit emerge. Recall that for whatever reason it might have been, we’ve been lacking leadership for a long, long time. Michael Robinson was a short lived phenomenon, and LJjr was no leader. Can you recall the last time we had not only leadership, but also spirit?
Those guys seemed to come out flat for every game in recent history. It was like, “Aw shit, another day, another dollar.” They didn’t look sharp. They were giving half-assed efforts.
Maybe this kind of hardship is what is needed as a catalyst to make them want to prove something to all those who are hatin’ on us or laughin’ at us. I sure hope so.
—TNT
Joe says
I certainly agree. Over the last several years (perhaps with the exception of Robinson and Clark), I also remarked to whomever was listening that the team played without emotion. No desire, no drive. the sideline always seemed to be ho-hum-no one getting in anyone’s grill (both players and coaches) when they weren’t playing up to potential. Also never saw that desire to put a team away when they had them on the ropes. Most instances the captains did not seem to have that natural leadership ability that is so necessary in team sports. Hopefully guys like McGloin, Mauti and Zordich can provide that spark.
I was very impressed by McGloin’s message!
The Nittany Turkey says
I’m further impressed with the team’s message of this morning. You called out the names of the leaders.
—TNT