Penn State Football head coach James Franklin caught some flak this week for possibly letting it slip that the Philadelphia Eagles tampered with former Penn State and free agent running back Saquon Barkley.
During his introductory press conference with the Eagles on Thursday, Barkley defended his former coach and gave the situation some clarity.
“Coach Franklin I think kind of misinterpreted,” Barkley said. “The truth was the sell pitch, Penn State, I mean Penn State fans are Philadelphia Eagles fans, but that was through my agent and my agent told me that.”
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How James Franklin Sparked Saquon Barkley Controversy
Franklin was asked about his former star running back returning to Pennsylvania during a press conference on Tuesday and said, “He (Barkley) said that (returning to Pennsylvania) was one of the first things Howie (Roseman) said to him on the phone as kind of his sales pitch to him.”
The comments raised some eyebrows because Franklin implied that Eagles brass spoke to Barkley before the NFL new year started on Wednesday, which would be tampering.
The NFL announced that they are investigating whether are not the Eagles did tamper with Barkley, who signed a 3-year, $37.75M deal with the team. If wrongdoings are found, the Eagles could face penalties that could include sending Barkley’s former team, the New York Giants, a draft pick or a fine.
MORE: Saquon Barkley in Philly Puts Rest of NFL on Notice
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