Penn State’s Franklin apologizes after leaving press conference

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

“I didn’t do a very good job on Wednesday,” Franklin said after Penn State’s speech Saturday night. 28-13 win on Wisconsin. “It’s a difficult, difficult situation, and I had to admit that I didn’t do a good job of handling it. … I didn’t do a good job of handling that situation and representing this program accurately.”

Former Nittany Lions linebacker Jameial Lyons, 19, is charged with aggravated rape, aggravated assault without consent, voluntary deviate sexual intercourse without consent, a misdemeanor, indecent assault and invasion of privacy without consent, a misdemeanor. Former Penn State linebacker Kaveion Keys, 19, is charged with aggravated rape, aggravated assault and sexual assault without consent, and misdemeanor 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 spokesman 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 questions about the criminal case. Franklin stepped away from the microphone and a university spokesman read a prepared statement: “We issued a statement yesterday regarding two former Penn State football players, and our program and athletics department will have no further comment.”

When another reporter tried to ask Franklin about sending off the players, Franklin walked away again.

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

“I respect that,” he said. “The truth is there’s not much I can say other than that (of the university) expression. This is an ongoing legal situation and it is challenging. It challenges everyone. … I didn’t do a good job there. Like everyone who is in a difficult situation, I am trying to heal. … I am sorry.”

ESPN Senior Writer Mark Schlabach contributed to this report.