Rutgers Apologized To Penn State For Offensive Fan Behavior

Rutgers played its first Big Ten football game. In classic Rutgers fashion, the school was also forced to apologize for offensive behavior. This time, at least, it was from fans, not those affiliated with the school. A Rutgers Facebook account posted a picture of a fan with a “Ped State” shirt. There was also a faux Penn State banner that made reference to the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

Here is a statement from AD Julie Hermann.

"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. Some of the signage and t-shirts that we have been made aware of were both inappropriate and offensive. I have spoken with and apologized to the Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour and I would like to apologize equally to the Penn State University fans, as well as Rutgers fans that were subjected to this classless display that does not represent the ethos of our university, athletic department or fan base. The two inappropriate pictures that appeared briefly on our Facebook page as part of a 200-picture montage were immediately removed when we were alerted to their content. It is unfortunate that the actions of a few spoiled an otherwise historic and recording-setting night that Rutgers fans provided for our first Big Ten football game."

The B1G will stand for terrible outmoded football. But uncouthness will find no safe harbor. Penn State fans have clearly spent years grappling with the gravity of their athletic department not a reporting a serial child sex abuser to the proper authorities.