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Rutgers University Issues Apology For 'Classless' Actions Of Fans At PSU Game

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Rutgers University issued a statement Monday and it wasn't for their performance on the field against Penn State, but rather the "classless" actions of fans bearing inappropriate t-shirts and signage.

On Saturday, Rutgers University and Penn State met for the first time since 1995. And even though it has been more than two years since the Jerry Sandusky scandal, it was evident that PSU fans continue to deal with the fall out.

Images posted to social media showed fans wearing "inappropriate" shirts that read 'Beat Ped State' and others captured images of offensive signage.

Rutgers Athletic Director Julie Hermann issued an apology for the "regrettable actions":

On behalf of Rutgers University and the Athletic Department, we would like to apologize for the regrettable actions of a handful of Rutgers fans on Saturday that do not convey the message of good, competitive spirit that we look forward to having with our new Big Ten rival Penn State University.

Some of the signage and t-shirts that we have been made aware of were both inappropriate and offensive.

I have spoken with and apologized to the Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour and I would like to apologize equally to the Penn State University fans, as well as Rutgers fans that were subjected to this classless display that does not represent the ethos of our university, athletic department or fan base.

The two inappropriate pictures that appeared briefly on our Facebook page as part of a 200-picture montage were immediately removed when we were alerted to their content.

It is unfortunate that the actions of a few spoiled an otherwise historic and recording-setting night that Rutgers fans provided for our first Big Ten football game.

For anyone keeping score, Rutgers lost 13-10.

 

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