James Franklin walks away after question about rape allegations against ex-Penn State players

James Franklin had no interest in discussing allegations of sexual assault against two former members of the Penn State football team on Wednesday, walking away from the microphone when a reporter asked about the situation. Prosecutors charged former players Jameial Lyons and Kaveion Keys with a felony rape and other charges stemming from an alleged incident that occurred at an on-campus apartment this summer. The pair were members of the football team up until Aug.3, when they were dismissed from the team, multiple outlets reported.But Franklin had no interest in addressing the situation when he faced reporters following Penn State’s practice on Wednesday.A Penn State athletics spokesperson tried to get ahead of the curve and read a prepared statement that referred back to a statement the school released Tuesday night, indicating that Franklin wouldn’t answer questions on the topic. When a reporter asked when the coach knew over the summer that Lyons and Keys wouldn’t be on the team, Franklin quickly walked away and the frustrated-sounding spokesperson reiterated what he had said before. “Again guys, the university already released a statement,” he said.

“We’ll have no further comment.” Franklin then reappeared and waited for questions about the team’s upcoming game against Wisconsin. New details about the alleged incident came to light Wednesday after charging documents became publicly available. Lyons was accused of raping a 17-year-old Penn State student on July 7 at an on-campus apartment.He was also being accused of groping, digital penetration and forcing the female student to perform oral sex, according to the Centre Daily Times. Keys faces similar charges, and a police affidavit of probable cause indicated that a brief video of the interaction with the accuser was found on Lyons’ cellphone. According to The Athletic, the two deny recording anything during the alleged incident.Lyons also faces charges of indecently assaulting a...