As ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien has agreed to become Joe Paterno's replacement as Penn State head coach, former players are not at all pleased with the idea of an outsider being brought in. As BWI's Nate Bauer reports in a powerful piece that you should definitely read the entirety of, former Penn State All-Americans LaVar Arrington and Brandon Short are leading a late charge in support of interim head coach and former defensive coordinator Tom Bradley.
Arrington...
"I will put my Butkus (Award) in storage. I will put my Alamo Bowl MVP trophy in storage," Arrington said. "Jerseys, anything Penn State, in storage. Wherever Tom Bradley goes, that's the school I will start to put memorabilia up in my home. I'm done. I'm done with Penn State. If they're done with us, I'm done with them."
Short...
"I don't want to be affiliated with the university if they don't choose a Penn State guy because of our standards, our graduation, all the things that have been important... it's no longer Penn State, so we might as well be in the SEC. They are intent on turning it into a booster culture. Ira Lubert went out and purchased a national title with wrestling and he's under the illusion that he can do that in football. Well, ask (Redskins owner) Dan Snyder about that."
"Penn State is a family and it is real and if they choose to get rid of Bradley and not hire a Penn State coach, then they've turned their backs on our entire family."
The story also includes strong statements from former Penn State running back D.J. Dozier, who says he and many of his fellow alumni players have not been directly consulted by Joyner and Co. through the search. Needless to say, it'll be interesting to see how Joyner and his committee reacts to such stinging criticism in the press, not from media, but from those who have worn the jersey. One would think words like these are definitely not the kind Penn State would want to welcome a new hire with.
For more on the Penn State coaching search, stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh.