Nebraska chancellor releases statement on Pelini’s profane tirade; Pelini apologizes

A 2011 profanity-laced tirade directed at fans by Nebraska coach Bo Pelini was caught on tape and published by the website Deadspin on Monday, prompting the school’s chancellor and athletic director to issue the following statements:

Harvey Perlman, 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.”

Pelini, in turn, apologized for his comments:

“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.”

It’s been a rough week for Pelini. First, UCLA pounded the Cornhuskers, 41-21, as Big Red blew a 21-3 second quarter lead. Then Cornhuskers legend Tommy Frazier called him out and demanded sweeping changes on the coaching staff. Pelini got down in the muck and responded to Frazier rather bluntly. Then his barrage of 2011 F-bombs hit the media and, before you knew it, the talk was about whether Nebraska would be looking for a new coach. An online poll at the Lincoln Journal-Star was basically split between those who want Pelini to be fired and those who don’t.

It’d probably be a bit rash for Nebraska to move in the direction of firing Pelini. The Cornhuskers have a legit shot at a Big Ten title and it’s hard to say what kind of coach the school could attract right now. Any coach would certainly feel some trepidation about taking such a job in these circumstances.

For now, the best cure for this crisis is for Pelini to start winning some games...and maybe to keep his big mouth shut for a while.