Bo Pelini's 2011 rant, filled with vulgarity and recorded unbeknownst to the Cornhuskers head coach, was published by Deadspin in wake of the Cornhuskers collapse against UCLA at home over the weekend.
As Dennis Dodd noted here, fans should not be surprised that passionate coaches like Pelini vent, often with profanity, behind closed doors. Head coaches in college football are under tremendous pressure, particularly at a school like Nebraska.
Still, the tirade is not a good look for Pelini after a bumpy start to the 2013 season. There are plenty of F-bombs in the recording, directed at "fair-weather" fans and local columnists. After Deadspin posted the audio Monday night, the apologies were rolled out.
Bo Pelini:
"I want to sincerely apologize for my comments from two years ago which became public today. I take full responsibility for these comments. They were spoken in a private room following the Ohio State game. I was venting following a series of emotional events which led to this moment. That being said, these comments are in no way indicative of my true feelings. I love it here in Nebraska. I again apologize to anyone who was offended."
Harvey Pearlman, Nebraska chancellor:
"I am aware of the publication of Coach Pelini’s comments, I am disappointed and in discussions with Shawn Eichorst about addressing the issue."
Shawn Eichorst, Nebraska athletic director:
"I am disheartened and disappointed by the 2011 comments published today attributed to Coach Pelini about our dedicated and passionate fans and supporters. I have spoken with Chancellor Perlman and I have addressed the situation with Bo and expressed our deep concern."
Of course, of all this took place on the same day that Pelini exchanged a war of words through the media with Nebraska legend Tommie Frazier. It is only Tuesday but it is already fair to say this is not a good week for Nebraska football.
