It’s usually a long road back from Joe Paterno’s doghouse, but according to Cory Giger of the Altoona Mirror, Stephfon Green has successfully navigated that long, lonesome highway and is back on the team.
At least that’s his conjecture after having seen a couple of tweets last night.
Green is not likely to be very high on the depth chart if he is indeed back. Obviously, he hasn’t attended practice. Brandon Beachum is Silas Redd’s present backup at running back, but for the good of all that is Christmas, it appears that Penn State will once again have its Redd and Green backfield, possibly, maybe. The Nittany Lions will need both Green and Santa Claus with Alabama looming on its schedule in just two weeks.
Just a week ago, this didn’t look at all likely, especially in light of Paterno’s comments at Media Day: “Stephfon has had some problems with me, and right now I think for the benefit and especially the good of the football team, it might be better if he backs away right now.” He said that it was doubtful that Green would return.
This is one of the few times this Turkey can recall when stubborn old Joe has flipped a Uey so quickly with respect to a player so resoundingly on his bad side. However, the players held a team meeting where they voted to allow Green to rejoin the team; Joe respects that sort of thing and he went along with it.
Last night, Green tweeted, “Just glad everything worked out and im [sic] back with my team!!”
Welcome back, Stephfon. Keep your nose clean.