Penn State’s Franklin apologizes after leaving press conference

MADISON, Wis. — Penn State coach James Franklin apologized for walking away from the microphone Wednesday when asked about two former players accused by police of raping a 17-year-old girl in their apartment on July 7.

“I didn’t handle Wednesday very well,” Franklin said after Penn State’s Saturday night 28-13 victory about Wisconsin. “Tough, difficult situation and I have to admit I didn’t do a good job of that. … I didn’t do a good job of handling that situation and representing this program the right way.”

Former Nittany Lions defensive end Jameial Lyons, 19, is charged with rape, aggravated assault without consent, consensual deviate sexual intercourse and indecent assault without consent and invasion of privacy without consent. Former Penn State linebacker Kaveion Keys, 19, is charged with rape, aggravated assault without consent and assault and indecent assault without consent.

Penn State suspended Lyons and Keys from the football team in August.

“We are aware of the serious allegations against Mr. Keys and Mr. Lyons, who are no longer enrolled at the university,” a school spokesperson said in a statement last week. “The safety of our community is our top priority, and Penn State takes any report of sexual assault or misconduct very seriously and investigates all reports.”

After Wednesday’s practice, a reporter began asking Franklin about the criminal case. Franklin walked away from the microphone and a university spokesperson read a prepared statement: “Regarding the two former Penn State football players, we released a statement yesterday and our program and athletics department would have no further comment.”

When another reporter tried to ask Franklin if he wanted to fire the players, he walked away again.

Franklin said Saturday he understood why the questions had to be asked.

“I respect that,” he said. “The reality is I can’t say much more than that (university) statement. It is an ongoing legal situation and a challenge. It’s a challenge for everyone. … I didn’t do well there. I’m trying to get better, just like anyone in a difficult situation. … my apologies.”

ESPN Senior Writer Mark Schlabach contributed to this report.