/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19654861/20130914_jla_st5_017.0.jpg)
Deadspin today released an audio tape of Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini swearing a lot, apparently this time at Husker fans and at reporters from the Omaha World Herald.
The full audio is available at the Deadspin article, but here is an excerpt that contains some pretty rough language:
All of that is just the prelude to Pelini's message for the Huskers' fans: "It took everything in my power to not say, 'Fuck you, fans. Fuck all of you.' Fuck 'em." After Sharpe says a lot of students had left at halftime, the woman starts to say that people did return to their seats. Pelini interjects: "Our crowd. What a bunch of fucking fair-weather fucking-they can all kiss my ass out the fucking door. 'Cause the day is fucking coming now. We'll see what they can do when I'm fucking gone. I'm so fucking pissed off."
Some items of note:
- Remember that this is a two year old tape that has just been released because someone is clearly upset about how Pelini is running the program and tired of the blowout losses. The timing for Pelini couldn't have been worse.
- It's no secret that Bo Pelini swears a lot, i.e., the nationally televised meltdown of him on television screaming f-bombs at Taylor Martinez during the Texas A&M game.
- Our "Cob of the Week" segments the week in question included "Husker fans who left early" and "Dirk Chatelain and his reporting on Taylor Martinez/Bo Pelini"
- This is the same Bo Pelini who gave us Jack Hoffman's run and all the good will that came from it.
What will this mean to the Pelini era at Nebraska? It's hard to tell right now. Obviously the reaction from Husker fans will be bad.
Pelini this season has been the calm, collective coach that many Husker fans want to see... at least in his behavior. Let's be honest - Pelini isn't coming under heavy fire because he shot off a number of f-bombs, he's under heavy fire because his program loses games like they did this past weekend against UCLA.
Update
This evening, UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman and NU "Director of Athletics" Shawn Eichorst issued the following statement through the Chancellor's office.
Harvey Perlman, 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, Director of Athletics:
"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."
A few minutes later, the athletic department released the following apology from Bo Pelini:
“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 and feel fortunate to be associated with such a great University and fan base. I again apologize to anyone whom I have offended.”