Nebraska coach Bo Pelini will not face punishment for an angry, profanity-laced outburst directed at Cornhuskers fans after a game against Ohio State two years ago that was recorded without his knowledge.
University chancellor Harvey Perlman and athletic director Shawn Eichorst issued a joint statement on Wednesday:
“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.”
In a recording that was made public by Deadspin on Monday, Pelini blistered media members and also Nebraska fans for leaving early and booing at halftime of the October 2011 Big Ten game. The Cornhuskers overcame a halftime deficit to beat the Buckeyes.
Pelini told SiriusXM radio host Bill King on Wednesday morning that he believes he knows who was responsible for the leaked recording.
“I think we’re a lot closer to (knowing), if it hasn’t been completely determined already,” Pelini said. “I have an idea.”
Pelini apologized to Nebraska fans on Monday night and said he felt certain that his job was not in jeopardy.
It has been an eventful few days for Pelini. The Cornhuskers lost 41-21 at home to Nebraska on Saturday and he also engaged in a public spat about the team’s direction with Nebraska legend Tommie Frazier that angered fans.
“Am I confident about my future? Yes, I have confidence in the support I get with the people around me,” Pelini told King. “I’ve said this is where I want to be. This is where I want to be.
“The facts have to be brought out. People have to do their jobs. That takes time. I think everybody on our team is doing just that, so we can get on the same page.”