Penn State’s Franklin apologizes after walking out of press conference

Madison, Wis. — Penn State coach James Franklin apologized Wednesday for stepping away from the microphone when asked about two former players accused by police of raping a 17-year-old girl in their apartment on July 7.

“I didn’t do a very good job handling Wednesday,” Franklin said Saturday night after Penn State’s 28-13 win over Wisconsin. “Tough, tough situation and I own up to the fact that I didn’t do a good job of it. … I didn’t do a good job of handling that situation and representing this program properly.”

Former Nittany Lions defensive end Jameal Lyons, 19, is charged with felony rape without consent, aggravated assault, voluntary deviant sexual intercourse and indecent assault without consent, and invasion of privacy without consent. Former Penn State linebacker Kaveion Keys, 19, is charged with felony rape, aggravated assault without consent and sexual assault without consent and misdemeanor indecent assault.

Penn State suspended Lyons and Keys from the football team in August.

“We are aware of serious allegations against Mr. Keys and Mr. Lyons, who are no longer enrolled at the university,” a school spokesman said in a statement last week. “The safety of our community is our highest priority, and Penn State takes any report of sexual harassment or misconduct very seriously and investigates any and all reports.”

After Wednesday’s practice, a reporter began asking Franklin about the criminal case. Franklin stepped away from the microphone, and a university spokesman read a statement: “Regarding the two former Penn State football players, we released a statement yesterday and our program and athletics department will have no further comment.”

When another reporter tried to ask Franklin about firing the players, he walked away again.

Franklin said Saturday that he understood why the question needed to be asked.

“I respect that,” he said. “The reality is I can’t say anything other than this (university) statement. It’s an ongoing legal situation, and it’s challenging. It’s challenging for everybody. … I didn’t do a good job there. I’m trying to be as good as everybody else in a difficult situation. Trying… I apologize.”

ESPN’s Mark Schlabach contributed to this report.