In the early weeks of November, when Penn State’s coaching staff was in a state of upheaval and the university stood on the precipice of a scandal that would shake its core, the football team carried the mantel for the school publicly.
They were roundly praised for their dignity. They were lauded for the respect they showed to victims of child sexual abuse, not to mention for bringing stability to a football program that could no longer rely on its leaders.
This season, fans won’t need a program to tell who they are.
On Tuesday, and after weeks of speculation, Penn State announced a series of changes to its iconic football uniforms, which will include players’ names on the backs of the jerseys and a blue ribbon to continue recognizing victims of abuse.
“We want our fans to know and recognize these young men,” head coach Bill O’Brien said in a statement. “They have stuck together during tough times, and I commend them for the leadership they have shown.”
Potential changes to the uniforms became a national talking point late last month after O’Brien hinted that minor alterations to the plain blue-and-white attire could be made in time for the Sept. 1 season opener against Ohio. For months beforehand, O’Brien maintained that he had no intention of pursuing a different look in his first season at the helm of the program.
But in the aftermath of the Freeh report and NCAA sanctions that led to drastic scholarship cuts and a four-year bowl ban, the Nittany Lions have pursued a fresh start.
O’Brien said the decision to add the names to the jerseys was made during a meeting with players, who told him that it would also be a symbolic gesture that will help them hold each other accountable to the traditions of Penn State, both on and off the field.
The blue ribbon, often worn to bring awareness to child sexual abuse victims, is the latest in a series of measures the team plans to take in 2012 to draw attention to the plight of victims. The Sept. 22 game against Temple already has been declared a “Blue Out,” with fans encouraged to wear blue and donate money to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape.
“The Penn State community stands with all victims of child abuse,” acting athletic director David Joyner said. “Coach Bill O’Brien and his football team made it clear they want to support victims and bring more awareness to this issue, which affects so many.”