Fansided

Penn State, James Franklin release statement on NCAA ruling

By Patrick Schmidt

Sep 6, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin answers questions from the media following the completion of the game against the Akron Zips at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Akron 21-3. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Sep 6, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin answers questions from the media following the completion of the game against the Akron Zips at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Akron 21-3. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
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The NCAA ruled that the Penn State Nittany Lions are immediately eligible for postseason play and they will have a full allotment of 85 scholarships beginning in 2015.

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This is obviously huge news for head coach James Franklin who is in his first year at Happy Valley after succeeding Bill O’Brien who left after two years to take the head coaching job with the NFL’s Houston Texans.

Franklin issued the following statement via the school’s official website:

"“We are very appreciative of the opportunities the NCAA and Big Ten have provided with today’s announcement,” Franklin said. “This team plays for each other. We play for Penn State, our families, the former players, our students, alumni, fans and the community. We are so proud to represent Penn State and the Big Ten Conference and are working hard to prepare for our Big Ten opener at Rutgers.”"

The lifting of the postseason ban and full allotment of scholarships will not be received well around they country, especially from fan bases who did not get leniency from the NCAA for their transgressions (USC) but the ruling allows for the students, players, coaches and administration to move one step out of the darkest cloud that hung over the NCAA.

“I am very happy for Coach Franklin, the coaches and staff and most importantly, our outstanding football student-athletes, said Penn State Director of Athletics Sandy Barbour. “I am gratified for the student-athletes who have remained resilient, committed and dedicated to Penn State during the past three years. We will continue to work hard and strive for integrity and academic and athletic excellence every day and to provide our student-athletes with the best experience possible.”

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