Lesley's Last Word: O'Brien's Opportunity
By Lesley Van Arsdall,
Bill O'Brien asked the alumni at Penn State to give him a chance -- and it looks like – finally -- they are.
Today, just one day after he addressed the media as the new head football coach, O'Brien received a standing ovation. O'Brien attended the Penn State basketball game against Indiana at the Jordan Center and fans stood up and chanted "We are Penn State" as he shook hands.
There was a lot of ruffled fur at first when it was announced O'Brien would be taking over as the Nittany Lions head football coach. Many alumni upset that he has no ties to the school. But yesterday, during his news conference, he seemed to impress by paying tribute and showing respect for Joe Paterno. He also asked the alumni to "give him a chance." Today he met with members of the football team for the first time; most say they will give him a chance. Today's standing ovation shows there are thousands of others willing to do the same.
True, O'Brien has no ties to Penn state, but he brings to the University a much needed clean slate.
