James Franklin clarifies Saquan Barkley tampering allegations

There is never a dull moment for the Penn State football team. After former Penn State football running back Saquan Barkley signed a deal with the Philadephia Eagles, James Franklin commented on the signing. His comments led Eagles fans and national media members to believe that there was tampering involved ahead of Barkley’s signing. On Tuesday night, Franklin clarified the confusion for everyone.

James Franklin clarifies Saquan Barkley tampering allegations

When James Franklin spoke to the media last Monday, he commented on Saquan Barkley returning home to Pennsylvania.

Franklin stated, “For him now to come back and be able to play within the state in Philadelphia [is important],” Franklin said when asked about the significance of Saquon Barkley returning to Pennsylvania. “He [Barkley] said that was one of the first things that Howie [Roseman] said to him on the phone as part of his sales pitch to him was not only the Philadelphia Eagles and that, but obviously the connection with Penn State and the fan bases as well.”

This statement took off as many thought that the Eagles violated the legal tampering period during NFL free agency. The Eagles denied that claim last Wednesday.

Now, James Franklin has spoken to the Penn State football media for the first time since this controversy. He used this opportunity to bring additional clarity to the situation.

“I had a ten-minute conversation with Saquan [Barkley] and I just assumed to connect the dots that weren’t there. All of those conversations went through his agent. Obviously, I made a comment for three minutes that was misinterpreted but by no means was how it was portrayed.”

Saquan Barkely spoke to the Penn State running backs

While Saquan Barkley was in Happy Valley attending the Penn State football Pro Day, he stopped by some meetings as well. One of the meetings he dropped into was in the running back room. Penn State social media shared some photos of Barkely speaking to the group.

RBs received some wise words from a guy who sat in these chairs just a few short years ago 🗣️💯 @Saquon pic.twitter.com/Mxj2Nl4wOz

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) March 18, 2024

To have a player that is as talented as Barkley who was in the same chairs just a few years ago has to be surreal for these players.

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