Statement From Penn State Football Student-Athletes - July 25, 2012

[@cheez3106]

4 years ago. Those freshman that year are now our seniors. Now look where we are. Beating #2 Ohio State. Two white outs in one season. #8 in the nation. And being talked about as a possible CFB playoff team. We are Penn State baby

[@laurainepsu]

My grandfather attended Penn State, as did my mother, father, sister, brother-in-law, my cousins and finally, me and my husband, Carmen Masciantonio, who was a captain and Academic All Amer. & played linebacker with Mike Zordich Sr. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU CURRENT PLAYERS! We will proudly be attending the 30 year Nat'l Championship reunion Sept 22 and we will always cheer for our beloved Penn State. Thank you for being brave enough and unselfish enough to get it! Together, WE ARE..PENN STATE

[@Jaycata]

Thank you guys for renewing my commitment to PSU. You made me feel Proud again!

[@aseiseasy]

I'm an Nebraska fan, born and raised. These guys are the kind of guys you want on your side. Impressive. PSU is our crossover team, and I think from a husker point of view, it's a great match of programs that have tradition and dedication like this in common. Wishing the best for PSU.

[@bglax09]

I'm honored to come from a school from so much pride. These players have had so much taken from them, that shouldn't have been, and they still stand up for their school- optimistic of whats to come next. The largest alumni network stands strong for their school no matter what, and that's why WE ARE more than a school. WE ARE a family.

[@ercassekol]

I will never be ashamed to say I am a Penn Stater. Hundreds of thousands of students and alumni have lived "Success with Honor" and nothing, not even the shameful lack of action by a few men, can ever change that. Dear players, we support and love you. Please keep your heads held high and wear the blue with pride. You are not responsible for what other have done or not done, but you can cultivate an environment where ethics and doing the right thing come before any game. -an alumna

[@anniemax4]

So proud of the way these young men are handling this adversity. You truly represent what Penn State stands for.

[@isaiah030502]

It takes incredible character to stand up and say these words. So much wisdom for these young guys! Proud to be a Penn State Alum, especially when I know that these are the type of people that are the heart of the Penn State Family! Mauti hit the nail on the head when he said that "This program wasn't built by one man and this program sure as hell won't be torn down by one man. This program was built on every alumni, every single player that came before us..." WE ARE.....

[@Nettierei]

After feeling so bad for so many weeks--- I FEEL VERY PROUD right now. Thank you Team!! We will be there.

[@bst112]

I LOVE YOU GUYS. I'll be ROOTING for you very, very hard this year. You guys can achieve so much because you are used to being held to a higher standard by both your school and yourSELVES. I'm 100% behind you as are ALL Penn Staters, past and future.

[@debinhv]

I am so unbelievably proud of these young men, they truly represent what the Penn State family means! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@nicholaselias5295]

Penn State Community- You should all be very proud of all of these players. Give me chills thinking about what they did by sticking together. No ties to Penn State but will be rooting for them to get through this.

[@420tonyt]

I am so so proud of these young men. From the heart of a PSU family, WE LOVE YOU GUYS! and we are behind you. Time to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and to get up and fight back. We are behind you 1000%. WE ARE, PENN STATE!

[@JLS0725]

109,000 STRONG Sept 1 and always! We are prouder and more committed to supporting you all than we ever have been! All the respect and love in the world for you all!

[@rur13223]

We're behind our boys. No it won't be easy but together we can do anything. Honor, integrity, and pride, GO STATE!

[@69goatman1]

Thank you!! My dad (R.I.P.) was one of the biggest Penn State football fans in history and he would be so proud to hear what you guys had to say!! WE ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dchang11]

These players are TRUE Penn Staters. We are proud of you. Together, we'll fight to the end.

[@flatulatingmarmoset]

Those two young men almost made me cry. They have guts and character. I don't blame them for not transferring, they after all seniors. They want to finish up and move on with their lives. I predict a lot of empty seats and a lot of jeering, but I wish them luck.

[@KeystoneState]

Couldn't have been further from your prediction.

[@jendriscoll2677]

You go guys! We're with you all the way. Faced with a tough decision, you are making the right call-- that is what Penn State is made of, on and off the field.

[@moonlitshadow27]

I couldnt have said it better, and hell i teared up. thanks for your support. you know that it's not just fellow students and alumni that are my brothers and sisters; it's every person that wears the blue and white and lives the words of our alma mater. you're welcome at my tailgate anytime, man.

[@DonnaLGasper]

Love you all. We are forever and ever, Penn State! Thank you for your courage and commitment. We are with you all - not just on the field but every moment, every day.

[@pakman2328]

Who remembers who won the 35 different bowl games last season? You all have the opportunity to be remembered forever as the team that fought back against all odds and showed that one man's mistake will not bring PSU down but instead it will bring us together and challenge us to be better people in every aspect of our lives: in the classroom, on the job, in the weight-room, in our communities, with our friends, with strangers, and on the football field.

[@lkreusling]

We are... So proud of our student/athletes/coaches!

[@chrissyjones9410]

You guys are wonderful! Thanks for giving us alumni something to be proud of!! We are Penn State!

[@1800jr]

wow. he had a great speech and really heart warming to penn st nation. don't worry penn st. ITS JUST A STRUGGLE BABY! you guys can and will get through this. much love from Southern California. (ucla fan lol)

[@spfappy]

THIS is what Penn State is all about. So proud of these guys.

[@pakman2328]

You are not alone in answering this challenge, you will not be alone on this journey, and if you all come together as I believe you can, then none of us will be alone when we're celebrating all the good we've done at the end of the season, all the lives we've changed, minds we've changed, and spirits that have been uplifted. All Penn Staters everywhere will being doing whatever they can to affect good in the lives of people around them and your success on the field will give us more strength.

[@pbzeppelin0405]

Thank you too these football players. They have decided to put the good of others, before themselves. They have decided to take on personal hardship instead of passing it on to others. They are doing what others could not, and showing the world what Penn State is about. Shout We Are! as much as you want, but make sure to thank these young men, some of whom are teenagers, for showing the world how true Penn Stater's act.

[@pakman2328]

I'm sincerely proud of this video. I hope in the bottom of my heart that every player on that team 100% sticks together and pulls together to make each other the best that they can be. There is no undoing what has already been done, but we can start the healing and rebuilding process, and there is no better place to start and ignite the hearts and souls of Nittany nation and the world than by showing our resilience on the football field. No bowl games? Who cares.

[@momyrtle23]

I know I speak on behalf of thousands of Penn Staters when I say we LOVE you boys and what you represent and we cannot WAIT to bring the heat come September 1, 2012!!!! WE ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@StevePace1000]

What a fine group of young men. We are with you guys, 500,000+ strong out here. From Boston to Bakersfield. Make us proud, we stand with you. See you all in the Fall.

[@ghostfox4]

God, thank you for giving me a team to be proud of. As a true Pennsylvanian, I do love The Pennsylvania State University so. THIS, is what being a PSU fan is all about. We Are.

[@kateconlon2355]

Thanks so much for this statement! Please continue to fight through this, we all support you and are so incredibly proud of all of you! Just remember to keep Sandusky's victims in your hearts and keep them as part of your focus. We are!

[@TheIEvon]

the people who say "they're going to suck" haven't done their research. so far, the entire team except for 2 or 3 players have committed to staying. those who say they're going to suck probably havent even watched a penn state football game in their life.

[@eeberger123]

Sooooo incredibly proud of you guys...We Are...now more than ever!!!

[@92gondor]

This is why we are PENN STATE PROUD! Character and integrity of the lads is outstanding.

[@roxane909]

Good luck to the team this year....We were always a fan ...and always will be...WE ARE PENN STATE...

[@karensweene]

So proud of your character and willingness to lead the way to rebuilding.

[@ercassekol]

Coincidentally, I got my season tickets in the mail just now. This will be the first in many years that we don't give away our tickets to the first game of the season. We will be there for you kids to say thanks for staying, and for being true Blue. Make us proud.

[@jessicasteele9757]

I just got so chocked up. I'm so proud to be a part of the PSU community!

[@maroon24721]

I knew the upper classmen wouldn't let their school down! love you guys for this! behind you 100%

[@pentoro68]

Can't wait for this season! Just because we are ashamed of what Sandusky did doesn't mean we don't support our team. Proud alum, class of '90.

[@Bmack63]

I am proud of the commitment the entire coaching staff and players are already showing. Come post season, the entire country will be left wondering ... What would have happened if Penn State had been aloud to continue rolling like a freight train? Make us proud boys!!!

[@LukeKhaing]

I am glad to be sticking with these guys. I was confused after the allegations myself. This speech made me stay and fight with these guys.

[@Superhero18]

I happened to visit Happy Valley, and it's one of the most gorgeous and beautiful places you could possibly ever visit, period. The Student Body there treats the university as their own home, and their fellow students as brothers and sisters. Those who've never been a part of the Pennsylvania community may call that a "cult", we Pennsylvanians live and breath and die through this. PSU is the most prestigious university in our state, and we are ALL Penn Staters :). Hold that pride men :)

[@longview1]

Wow how brave of these men to continue playing a game.

[@thereal54]

"This program wasn't just built by 1 man and it sure as hell will not be torn down by 1 man" -- favorite part

[@Phillyfan320]

We've got your back boys! You can bet that stadium will be louder and prouder than ever when you take that field on September 1st!

[@ethomas0]

I, like JoePa, could not be prouder than I am right now! I and my daughter (PSU Alum) are behind you boys 100% and always will be. Get out there and show the world what Penn State is all about!! Thank you!

[@susanrogozinski262]

Good job men, you've already made us proud.

[@Hollis3387]

Ya'll got my love, support and respect. Chin up, shoulders back, march on boyz! Undefeated in 2012! Holly in Nor Cal (Class of 1997)

[@bglax09]

@biko9910- They are standing up for their school that they are proud to be a part of. That's an honorable choice- especially when they just had everything taken from them. "The bravest sight in the world is to see a great man struggling against adversity." I am proud to come from this school- especially when I know my classmates are as strong as these guys.

[@kateconlon2355]

One more thing - you could be THE most important team PSU football has ever experienced. Regardless of wins, losses and bowl games. You could demonstrate the true meaning of Penn State and you could begin our rebuilding process!

[@AgentKarpov13]

The people associated with the problems are gone. While the current staff and students have absolutely nothing to do with what happened. The corrupt people are gone, and now the individuals who are left are those who want to build back up an institution to the level it was. One last point Penn State still has one of the best overall schools, its experience it gives and academics it has can still not be matched. The school for the many of you who don't know, was more than just football.

[@iHunterx96]

Penn State is not "done" and if anything we are stronger. Penn State as a university will overcome this. We have the best students, alumni, faculty, staff, and fans in the country and no one person's sick self will break us apart. Penn State will always be a university known for excellence in both sports but most importantly in the classroom and all the life saving accomplishments that were developed here. We are more than what the media falsely shows us to be. We are Penn State.

[@detroittigers1282]

I admire and respect these guys attitude, they have nothing to do with this. It comes down to love of school, I know if I played at Michigan State and they went through something like this, I'd stay and fight through it. Wish these guys the best, except against my Spartans.

[@sharonlfrazier]

So proud of Penn State player!

[@pakman2328]

Do your best as a team this year. Be your best as people. You have my support and I know you'll have the support of Nittany Nation as well. Show the world what Paterno's last recruiting classes can do. These wins will count! We Are...

[@LetsGoEagles36]

LOVE THIS TEAM!!!!! WE. ARE.

[@xooncloud9]

Nittany Nation is behind you 100%. So proud of you boys! Love you lions! Ignore the noise!

[@omfrusrs]

I bet the NCAA is having a fit at the players sticking with their team! Way to go players, at least there is some level headed people out there. They tried to tear down the PSU football program and they won't let them do it. I'm proud of these guys.

[@clarnicpsu05]

Represent PSU...we are all about fighting to get the name back!! My heart and prayers still go out to the victims...now its time to move forward and raise it....WE ARE!

[@Rock012212]

Stiff necked sinners? They have done NOTHING!! Who are you to pass judgement on these boys? Not taking anything away from the child abuse victims, but the Nittany Nation has suffered hard but we are united all over the US in recognizing and working with child abuse centers. As a former player I am proactive in meeting with people at these centers here in the midwest on how we can support /contribute to helping their cause. There is a healing process - and comments from you sure aren't needed!!

[@sdknorr99506]

Glad they are sticking together. Things will be tough, but that's what PSU is all about.

[@92gondor]

This is why we are PENN STATE PROUD!

[@kevinanthonycordero]

Why would the players say one guy ruined it? It's clear that those who didn't stop him are directly to blame as well. This is not rocket science.

[@Candace-q]

Please excuse my typo, I meant they are directly responding to the NCAA's punishments.

[@brootal4metal7]

Penn State is a family and those who truly support it aren't going to let this get in the way of their appreciation towards Penn State. One bad thing does not all of a sudden cancel out the greatest that had emerged from PSU. I don't give a shit what happened, I'm a Penn Stater for life!!!!!!!!!!!

[@junozard]

I love you guys.... We are.....

[@efxf22]

Got my season tickets in the mail yesterday. Let's go Lions!

[@stevenswanson6108]

I've followed this case and I've done my research. This is quoted .. "McQueary was obviously distraught over what he saw, but he at no time related to Paterno the very specific actions of what he saw. The very next day, Paterno called Tim Curley and told him what McQueary had told him." ... HE AT NO TIME RELATED TO PATERNO THE VERY SPECIFIC ACTIONS OF WHAT HE SAW. Please do your research.

[@ral187]

Quite Simply, WE ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@drewa241]

Exactly! I feel horrible that these students have to suffer the consequence of the people responsible for this, but to the larger and more important point, the 10 kids(probably more) who had to ENDURE what was done to them, and live with the knowledge that they were the LEAST important aspect of this scandal will probably leave them with deeper lacerations on their souls then any physical harm. These players had an opportunity to say they understood what happened to these kids, they didn't.

[@JamesBond-py9cm]

"We're gonna show up every Saturday and we're gonna raise hell, thanks for coming..." Hell of a way to end it

[@johnwpenn]

Dude, I had a friend who played for Joe Paternao at Penn State and said he wasn't a nice person. Now, the whole world knows.

[@Master15846]

WE ARE PENN STATE!! We will never back down damnit!!

[@Thedawnclement]

Sadly, there are many victims in the Sandusky scandal. The men that committed the crime will be properly punished in a court of law, but this team should not bear their burden. Do NOT blame the team, its fans and students by abandoning your commitment with the program. Can you see how this community will need your support more than ever before? I implore you to STAND STRONG with a community of people that need your support now more than ever.

[@pdisme]

Guess none of them had class scheduled at the time of the press conference....

[@rankarandas]

how can people forget the irrevocable damage that this kind of abuse does to a person. they are forever damaged never to be the same again , this scars are in the most important part of the human body. The Brain .

[@j4sm4ith]

for those of you responding with negative comments, and for all of those people that thrive off of delighting in others misfortune, maybe you should check your own moral standards.

[@sk8erchic925]

i have a lot of respect for this comment. Thank you.

[@DONGOE]

I love your attitude !!!

[@DelRounds]

And, at trial, the jury found Sandusky innocent of these particular charges. Apparently, McQueary was not a reliable witness. So... BTW, Paterno reported it to the top law enforcement officer at Penn State.

[@illVeritas]

You're assuming that showing support for the University and condoning sexual assault is mutually exclusive. Simply because they're choosing to affirm their loyalty to the school does not imply that they lack respect or sympathy for the victims. And those people who have written articles about the scandal and prefaced the article by saying "I'm sorry for the victims" do not necessarily care about them. In fact, Penn Staters have shown the most support for them throughout this entire ordeal.

[@pzb4]

ESPN will have to eat up this kind of loyalty. Would make for a great pre-game back story. By staying, you guys will be cutting the rebuilding time in half (at least). Recruits will have to wonder what a special place this must be since you all decided to stay despite the personal hardship the NCAA sanctions have caused.

[@KeystoneState]

This is incredibly accurate on so many accounts. Especially now looking back with some hindsight.

[@jcrinella]

PSU Proud, forever and always

[@macgregor322]

THIS is why we are, and always will be, PENN STATE

[@TracksuitDev]

I have, and I know that if I knew and saw children being abused not only would i stop the situation right then and there I would contact the authorities immediately. That said its unfair current players are getting hurt because of previous staff failures.

[@ChrisKlinefelter]

Keep Calm and Fight On! We Are...

[@MatthewCrom]

"we're gonna go out every Saturday, and we're gonna raise hell" I love it

[@Candace-q]

@drewa241 They are responding to the NCAA's punishment, even though, they had nothing to do with what happened, the punishment will directly affect them. On the other hand, I do believe they should have acknowledged what happend to some degree instead of just responding to the punishment

[@roxigirl10]

Very well said. I agree.

[@mikevt57]

THANK YOU

[@VantasticTelevision]

WE ARE!!!

[@Gumminator]

Very well said

[@pdisme]

LOL, how many of the players in the video are still there? A week later and I hear USC and LSU already have some new recruits....

[@KeystoneState]

You should do a little research on the players who left, and how the program fared since. LOL .... idiot..

[@CasterTroy061]

Of course you would expect the Seniors to make a statement like this. But if I had 3 or more years to play at Penn State and I had the chance to go elsewhere, I go and wouldn't feel one ounce of guilt. I didn't accept a scholarship to play for a school that could play in bowl games or play a Big Ten schedule with a 20 fewer scholarships than everyone else.

[@nickshaqfeh4925]

Theese students show the respect, honor, and pride that a hole nation lost. I do mean the Nittanys nation.

[@FreeTheRocks]

"We didn't pay tuition like you did and we never go to any classes so I'm here to say this is an opportunity for you students to keep paying at least $70 per ticket, per game and keep up those tuition payments - Thank You"

[@tuck225]

Truly a legend on the football field but sadly also a legend for covering up horrific events off the field. He disgraced his family, his program, his university, and himself. Instead of being a legendary coach, IMO - he's just as guilty as Sandusky is. Apparently for some turning in a person that sexually abuses children or protecting a football program and university is a difficult decision. The funny (more like sad) thing is that people still defend these individuals.