Anyone have any more info on the reported issues with the student section last night...seems that a member of the Legion of Blue leadership sent out a pretty brutal message to the rest of the group, and the reply from the PSU spokesman today was relatively lame. I've got lots of questions around how this is being handled, but haven't really seen much reported on it from the PSU side (the Rutgers basketball board has numerous threads on it). If someone in a leadership position is sending out a message about our students throwing things at the Rutgers team after the game or racist language being used, I'd think it's being investigated more thoroughly than our response would indicate. Thoughts?
From the LOB Vice-President...
“The police have issued a warning to athletics due to the alleged explicit, racist and vulgar language directed to members of the Rutgers basketball team,” Odige wrote. “Things such as f-bombs, n-words and other slurs being thrown around are downright unacceptable, and the privilege of sitting behind the benches will be revoked if this behavior continues.”
Our University's response...
"Penn State Athletics, as well as other university administrators, is aware of the reported interactions between the student section and the Rutgers men’s basketball team Sunday. We have been in communication with the leaders of the Legion of Blue student group, and we do not condone the inappropriate actions of some individuals on Sunday night. The Legion of Blue has been tremendous supporters of Penn State Basketball for many years and have historically represented themselves in a positive manner while cheering on the Nittany Lions. These reported actions are out of character for the group and its leadership is aware of behavioral expectations for all fans. Noncompliance may warrant ejection from the venue, as well as the possibility of revocation of tickets and, in some cases, reference to the authorities. Fan conduct is important to the experience of all teams and visitors to Penn State and our goal is to create an environment that is competitive, but welcoming."
From the LOB Vice-President...
“The police have issued a warning to athletics due to the alleged explicit, racist and vulgar language directed to members of the Rutgers basketball team,” Odige wrote. “Things such as f-bombs, n-words and other slurs being thrown around are downright unacceptable, and the privilege of sitting behind the benches will be revoked if this behavior continues.”
Our University's response...
"Penn State Athletics, as well as other university administrators, is aware of the reported interactions between the student section and the Rutgers men’s basketball team Sunday. We have been in communication with the leaders of the Legion of Blue student group, and we do not condone the inappropriate actions of some individuals on Sunday night. The Legion of Blue has been tremendous supporters of Penn State Basketball for many years and have historically represented themselves in a positive manner while cheering on the Nittany Lions. These reported actions are out of character for the group and its leadership is aware of behavioral expectations for all fans. Noncompliance may warrant ejection from the venue, as well as the possibility of revocation of tickets and, in some cases, reference to the authorities. Fan conduct is important to the experience of all teams and visitors to Penn State and our goal is to create an environment that is competitive, but welcoming."