Updated: players reiterate dedication to Penn State

Now that the NCAA has drastically loosened its transfer restrictions for Penn State free agents football players, the mad dash to fill positions of need on rosters around college football has begun in earnest.

Some players will inevitably decide to pursue other opportunities, as coach Bill O’Brien noted on ESPN’s “Mike and Mike” Wednesday morning. And they should be allowed to do so without any criticism whatsoever. Players choose a school for different reasons. If it was to compete for a national championship, they’re not going to get that chance with the Nittany Lions.

But some Penn State players have decided they will stick with the program, at least for today. Roughly 25 of those players gathered for a group statement right around the time O’Brien was making the ESPN rounds. Speaking on behalf of the group was senior running back Michael Zordich and senior linebacker Michael Mauti.

You can watch video of the announcement HERE, or read it in its entirety below:

This team is sticking together. We aren’t going anywhere. And we could not be more proud to be Penn Staters now. We look at this as a great opportunity to have the ability to bring back not only a team but an entire university.

This team has taken on more adversity than any team has faced in history which is a testament to our commitment to our teams character, our fans, and our university. One man didn’t build this program and one man sure as hell cannot tear it down. This program was built on the backs of the thousands of great men who put on the Penn State uniform. Today it is no different.

No sanction or politician can tear this team apart. No one can take away what this university means to us. We will stick together and create our own legacy. Our loyalty lies only with our teammates, coaches, fans and families. No one else.

It’s not going to be easy but we know that we have acquired the strength that we have overcome and we will embrace our anger and burn it as fuel this season.

We can’t wait for September 1 and to be back in Beaver Stadium and playing for Penn State in front of the best fans in the nation. We ask everyone to come out, show the support, wear your colors proudly and show that adversity makes the Penn State nation tougher and stronger.

Not among the group was running back Silas Redd. Redd was scheduled to appear at Big Ten media days, but now word is coming that no players from PSU will.

It’s been rumored Redd might transfer to USC.

Additionally, starting quarterback Matt McGloin tweeted the following statement yesterday:

“If I have learned anything from this game, it is: “tough times don’t last, tough people do.” This program has been through some hard times. I and many others, have stayed here out of love for this university; its academic programs, teammates, our wonderful fans and tremendous student body. We, as student-athletes, are being punished for going to class, graduating, being involved in the community and playing football. Even though these penalties are extremely harsh, I am a Nittany Lion and will remain one. I believe in the core values I have learned in this program. It is not Nittany Lion Football. It is Nittany Lion family. I encourage all players, recruits, and supporters to stay committed to the greatest football program in America. Scholarships and bowl games cannot destroy the fabric of our family. Coach O’Brien and his staff will lead us through this difficult time. All I ask is for the fans to continue to believe in us. WE ARE!”