James Franklin Announces Punishment For Player’s Illegal Hit On Taulia Tagovailoa
This past Saturday, Penn State defensive lineman Fred Hansard had an extremely late hit on Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa. For some reason, however, it was not penalized.
On Tuesday afternoon, Penn State coach James Franklin revealed that he’s taking matters into his own hands. He announced that Hansard has been suspended for the first half of this Saturday’s game against Michigan.
Even though Franklin is suspending Hansard for the first half of this weekend’s game, he said that play is not indicative of the type of person that Hansard is.
“I was not aware at all, and then I saw the clip. And obviously the optics of it don’t look great. But I do want to say this … Fred Hansard has been here for four years. He has been a model citizen and a model student-athlete,” Franklin said, via 247Sports. “He’s a super impressive young man that’s going to go on and do great things; got a great mom and dad. So, you know, just like in his statement that he put out, I know the optics of it don’t look great, but I don’t think Fred had any intentions. You know, I don’t think he had any intentions to do anything; to hurt another player or anything like that. I think it was a reaction. But at the end of the day, it’s not a good look, right?”
James Franklin said DT Fred Hansard will be suspended for first half of this week's game for pushing Maryland QB Taulia Tagovailoa on sideline.
"That's not who Fred Hansard is, and I want everybody to remember the 4 years and all the great things he's done on and off the field."— Cory Giger (@CoryGiger) November 9, 2021
Hansard has already issued an apology to Tagovailoa for his late hit.
“I would like to extend my sincere apologies for the unfortunate incident that took place on the sideline on Saturday,” Hansard wrote. “It was truly an act of impulse, and not malice. I did not and would not intentionally try to hurt another player. I believe in the integrity and the rules of the game. My actions were not in line with the expectations we have for ourselves as a Penn State Football program. Please accept my apology for any unsportsmanlike behavior.”
Hopefully, Hansard doesn’t let this one bad play define his career with the Nittany Lions.
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