Julie Hermann, the athletic director at Rutgers University, has released a statement apologizing for the "classless display" of some fans against Penn State during Saturday's game. Photos have surfaced on Facebook and Twitter of several Rutgers fans displaying banners mocking the Jerry Sandusky child sex-abuse scandal and fans wearing shirts that read "Beat Ped State!"
"On behalf of Rutgers University and the Athletic Department, we would like to apologize for the regrettable actions of a handful of Rutgers fans on Saturday that do not convey the message of good, competitive spirit that we look forward to having with our new Big Ten rival Penn State University," Hermann wrote in a statement.
Hermann addressed in her news release that both the t-shirts and banners were "inappropriate and offensive behavior." She also acknowledged that the photos briefly appeared on the Rutgers Facebook page as part of a 200-picture montage, but were removed immediately.
Hermann personally reached out to Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour to issue an individual apology.
"I would like to apologize equally to the Penn State University fans, as well as Rutgers fans that were subjected to this classless display that does not represent the ethos of our university, athletic department or fan base."
Penn State recently had the historic sanctions levied against it as a result of the scandal reduced by the NCAA. The NCAA plans to restore scholarships gradually starting next season and hasn't ruled out shortening the four-year postseason ban. The reduction comes just 14 months after the original punishment was handed out.
With a crowd of 53,774 fans, Rutgers set a new attendance record at High Point Solutions Stadium on Saturday night. However, the Scarlet Nights (2-1) fell to the Nittany Lions (3-0) 13-10
