Former Penn State football players support James Franklin amid allegations
By Zac Voynow
Former Vanderbilt and Penn State football players are coming out in support for the Nittany Lions’ head coach James Franklin amid allegations.
If you haven’t heard the initial report of the accused allegations, check out my description here. The shortened version of the initial report is that Penn State’s former team orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Scott A. Lynch, claimed that Franklin “pressured,” him into putting player back on the field, and that’s why he got dismissed from his job within the University.
This news has begun to grab the national media’s attention, probably at least partially due to Penn State’s track record in the national spotlight. Despite whatever perception that you may have regarding Penn State, you need to remember that Penn State isn’t the same place it used to be. Not only do they have different coaches, and different higher-ups, but State College has also performed a cultural change that is proud of who they have become.
Due to these changes, we’re seeing many fans and player alike take to social media to defend James Franklin.
One of the players that has come out in support of James Franklin is Saquon Barkley. The former Nittany Lion spoke with Matt Lombardo, from NJ.com about the lawsuit. “Coach Franklin’s been nothing but a role model and mentor to me. I feel like he’s part of my family.”
When asked about his ankle injury from the 2015 season, Barkley had this to say: “I tried to force [coming back], and he just wouldn’t allow me to force it.”
Jason Cabinda took to Twitter to defend James Franklin as well.
Lemme go ahead and save y’all the time of speculating.... this is complete and total BS straight up https://t.co/pzhr6tWFgX
— Jason Cabinda (@jasoncabinda) August 27, 2019
Cabinda’s mom replied to her son’s tweet, and stated, “I don’t think any coach cares about his players like coach Franklin. He treats them like his sons.”
Former Vanderbilt quarterback Austyn Samuels started for James Franklin in 2013. He took to Twitter to defend his former coach.
I was James Franklin’s QB in 2013 & tore my ACL in Game 7. I wanted to play on it. 3 wks later I was cleared by the doctors to play at Florida...
— Austyn Carta Samuels (@AUSTYNCS_6) August 27, 2019
Franklin thought I was rushing it & chose to protect me & told me I’d start vs Kentucky the next week.
Be better. pic.twitter.com/2fqPP7rEhX
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It’s clear that James Franklin has the support of some, if not all, of his former players. I will keep you updated as this story develops.