Penn State Coach James Franklin Criticized for Response After 2 Former Players Charged With Rape

Penn State football coach James Franklin is under fire for his response to two of his former players being charged with rape.

Franklin, 52, addressed the media on Wednesday, October 23, following the team’s practice. When taking the podium, Franklin was asked about the recent rape charges filed against Jameial Lyons and Kaveion Keys, who were on the team until earlier this year. Franklin then motioned for a Penn State athletics spokesperson to read a prepared statement aloud.

“Regarding the two former Penn State football players, we released a statement yesterday and our program and athletic department will have no further comment,” the person read.

The athletics department’s response primarily referred to the school’s statement which was released on Tuesday, October 22.

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“We are aware of the serious charges against Mr. Keys and Mr. Lyons, who are no longer enrolled at the University,” the official message read. "The safety of our community is our top priority, and Penn State takes any report of sexual assault or misconduct very seriously and investigates any and all reports."

After the spokesperson relayed the statement, Franklin said he was ready to take questions. When one reporter followed up about Lyons and Keys, both 19, Franklin walked away from the podium. The spokesperson reiterated his previous remarks.

“Again guys, the university already released a statement,” he said. “We’ll have no further comment.”

Franklin then reappeared to only take questions pertaining to Penn State’s upcoming game against Wisconsin.

Video of the press conference went viral online and many took to the comments section to express their disappointment on how Franklin handled the situation.

“A women was raped by 2 of his players. @coachjfranklin should have the decency to at least comment about it being a legal situation,” one user wrote via X on Wednesday. “And not storm off like a child. So sick of his pompous and condescending attitude towards media and fans.”

Another replied, “What a coward! A good leader speaks out against reprehensible behavior and actions by his team members.”

Lyons and Keys were members of the Penn State football team who were placed on interim suspension at the end of July to “deal with a personal matter. They were dismissed from the organization in August.

However, on Wednesday, October 23, the Centre Daily Times reported that both Lyons and Keys were arraigned after two women came forward claiming they were raped.

Lyons was accused of raping a 17-year-old Penn State student in July at an on-campus apartment. He allegedly groped, digitally penetrated and forced her to perform oral sex. Lyons admitted to having sex with the woman but told investigators that he believed it was consensual.

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However, he was aware she would “likely report the situation to the police” per the outlet. Lyons was charged with felony counts of rape, aggravated indecent assault and voluntary deviate sexual intercourse in addition to misdemeanor counts of indecent assault and invasion of privacy.

Keys, for his part, was accused of similar sexual misconduct. He denied engaging in sexual contact. Keys was charged with felony counts of rape, aggravated indecent assault and sexual assault, plus a misdemeanor count of indecent assault.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).