It's time for Penn State to move on. And apparently, new coach Bill O'Brien realizes this.
On Tuesday, the Nittany Lions leader announced that, for the first time ever, Penn State players will wear jerseys with their names on the back. This represents as fairly massive cultural change in Happy Valley, where for decades players took the field with the same bland, blank jerseys--symbolic of the idea that the team was more important than the individual.
In addition to the names, the Penn State jerseys will also feature blue ribbons, which will signify the team's support for victims of child abuse.
While he has said he wants to be respectful of Penn State's traditions, O'Brien said Tuesday that he believed his players deserved the privilege of having their names on the back of their jerseys in recognition for their commitment to the deeply troubled program.
Said O'Brien: "We want our fans to know and recognize these young men. They have stuck together during tough times, and I commend them for the leadership they have shown. Moving forward, I'm deeply committed to honoring Penn State's traditions, while building a bright future for our football program."
Photo: Getty Images
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give it up and fold up