Rutgers apologizes for 'offensive' fan signs, t-shirts vs. Penn State
Rutgers athletic director Julie Hermann issued an apology Monday for what she called "inappropriate and offensive" signage and t-shirts worn by some Scarlet Knights fans during the team's loss to Penn State on Saturday.
At the game, some Rutgers fans displayed signs or wore t-shirts mocking the school and former Nittany Lions defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, who was found guilty and jailed in 2012 for sexually abusing several young boys, including incidents on Penn State property. Sandusky, who was convicted on 45 counts of abuse, was given a sentence of 30 to 60 years in prison.
Two photos of fans wearing the t-shirts in question briefly appeared in an album on Rutgers Athletics' official Facebook page before being deleted.
"On behalf of Rutgers University and the Athletic Department, we would like to apologize for the regrettable actions of a handful of Rutgers fans on Saturday that do not convey the message of good, competitive spirit that we look forward to having with our new Big Ten rival Penn State University," Hermann's statement reads.
Hermann also said she spoke with and apologized to Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour.
The Nittany Lions won the game 13-10. It was Rutgers' first-ever Big Ten conference football game.
- Molly Geary
