Nebraskachancellor Harvey Perlman and athletic director Shawn Eichorst have issued a statement regarding Bo Pelini's profane rant in 2011, and say they are "prepared to put the matter to rest" without any disciplinary measures against the coach.
The statement also reveals that former Nebraska athletic director (and legendary Huskers coach) Tom Osborne became aware of the recording of Pelini's rant -- published this week by Deadspin -- "more than a year ago," and "addressed the matter with Coach Pelini." Perlman and Eichorst credit Pelini, noting that his "demeanor has significantly improved since the time of this incident."
The full text of the statement:
“The comments made by Head Football Coach Bo Pelini in 2011, published Monday, are unfortunate and deeply concerning to us, as they would be to anyone who loves this university. Our coaches, staff and student-athletes must be held to a high standard and Coach Pelini's remarks were unfair to the legions of Nebraska fans and not what we expect from a representative of this university. Former Director of Athletics Tom Osborne became aware of these comments and the existence of a recording more than a year ago, and addressed the matter with Coach Pelini. We have observed, and many others have commented, that Coach Pelini’s demeanor has significantly improved since the time of this incident. Coach Pelini has given us his assurance that he understands the seriousness and inappropriateness of his comments. We believe he is sincere in his apology and in his regret. We are prepared to put the matter to rest. Our football student-athletes, coaches and staff deserve all of our support and we know the Nebraska faithful will be there for them.”
The statement should allow Pelini, the administration, and the Husker faithful to focus on something that really matters where Nebraska football is concerned -- like, say, getting the defense repaired to the point where it's no longer allowing 500 yards to any offense it faces with a pulse.
