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James Franklin speaks to media for first time since ex-Penn State football players hit with rape charges

James Franklin walked away from the media multiple times when addressing reporters for the first time since two ex-Penn State football players were charged with rape on Tuesday.

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8 months ago

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Penn State football
Oct 5, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks on the field during a warmup prior to the game against the UCLA Bruins at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

James Franklin took to the microphone on Wednesday evening for the first time since former Penn State football players Jameial Lyons and Kaveion Keys were charged with rape and other sex crimes on Tuesday. However, Franklin declined to comment on the charges facing the ex-Nittany Lions.

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

The statement was read before Franklin’s media scrum Wednesday evening. When reporters attempted to question the Nittany Lions head coach regarding the incident, Franklin stepped away from the microphone twice. A Penn State football spokesperson reiterated the university’s official position and that there would be no further comment.

Jameial Lyons and Kaveion Keys have both been charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors for forcible rape, sexual assault, and other sex crimes. The affidavit filed by Penn State police on Wednesday shows that Lyons and Keys are both accused of sexually assaulting one victim, who was 17 years old at the time of the incident. Lyons is also accused of sexually assaulting a second victim, according to the criminal complaint.

The former Nittany Lions will face a preliminary hearing on October 30. Both were dismissed from the Penn State football program in August after being placed on interim suspension in July.

Penn State football returns from its bye on Saturday, traveling to Madison to face the Wisconsin Badgers.

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Matt is a co-owner and Editor of Basic Blues Nation. Launched in 2022, Basic Blues Nation is one of the fastest-growing websites covering all Penn State athletics. Matt is also a credentialed member of the Penn State football beat, and is a member of the Football Writers Association of America.

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