James Franklin refuses comment on rape charges against ex-Penn State football players - ESPN

Penn State coach James Franklin declined to answer questions from reporters Wednesday after two of his former players were accused by police of raping a 17-year-old girl in their apartment on July 7.

Former Nittany Lions defensive end Jameial Lyons, 19, is facing felony charges of rape, aggravated assault without consent, voluntary deviate sexual intercourse and misdemeanor charges of indecent assault without consent and invasion of privacy without consent.

Former Penn State linebacker Kaveion Keys, 19, is charged with felony rape, aggravated assault without consent and sexual assault and misdemeanor indecent assault without consent.

Lyons was released on $500,000 bond by Centre County Magisterial District Judge Donald M. Hahn during an arraignment Wednesday; Keys was released on $400,000 bond.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled on Oct. 30.

Following Wednesday's practice, a reporter started to ask Frankin about the criminal case. Franklin walked away from the microphone, and a university spokesperson read a prepared statement that said: «Regarding the two former Penn State football players, we released a statement yesterday and our program and athletics department will have no further comment.»

When another reporter attempted to ask Franklin about dismissing the players, he walked away again.

«Again, guys, the university already released a statement,» the spokesman said.

The Centre Daily Times posted to its social media accounts a video of the exchange between Franklin and reporters.

James Franklin refused to comment on rape charges against former players. My story, with video (from <a href=«https://twitter.com/JacksonRanger1?ref_src=» https:>@JacksonRanger1

) of when Franklin was asked:https://t.co/9pbLokyZag