Osborne Suggests Fans Refrain From Wearing Their Husker Red

Amid Penn State's child sex abuse scandal, Husker fans worry about their safety.

By Sarah Te Slaa

CREATED Nov. 10, 2011

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  • Athletic Director Tom Osborne suggest fans keep a low profile and not wear their Husker red to Saturday's Penn State game. Video by kmtv.com

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Omaha, NE-  Thousands of Penn State students rioted in the streets Wednesday night after coach Joe Paterno was fired.  The outbreak of violence has many Husker fans worried about their safety at Saturday's game.

"If I were there, I would be a little bit uncomfortable," says Husker fan Patricia Hawkins. 

After the university received numerous calls, Nebraska athletic director, Tom Osborne, released a statement.

"We have visited with Penn State security and we understand they are enhancing their security efforts for Saturday's game and are taking extra precautions to ensure that all players, coaches and fans are treated in a respectful way," says Osborne.

University of Nebraska regent, Chuck Hassebrook supports Osborne's decision.  "It's important that our team be safe, but we have a very solid athletic director and I trust him to do what's right to ensure their safety."
 
Penn State says it will have more security in and around the stadium for Saturday and fans may notice longer lines for bag checks.

"They need to be aware of it, but I'm sure the authorities will take care of everything all right," says Husker fan, Jon Miller.

"Who knows what's going to happen so I'm just glad I'm going to be home and watch it on TV," says Hawkins.

UNL police chief, Owen Yardley, says he's comfortable with the safety plan Penn State has in place.  "The plan that they have with the circumstances they do sound pretty good to us and we're pretty comfortable with them.  Police can't be everywhere at one time, particularly when there are 100,000 people, so we really rely on the fans to use good judgment."

Osborne is suggesting fans who are going to the game on Saturday to keep a low profile and not wear their Husker red.

"Not to stick out in the crowd is a horrible way to go to a Nebraska football game and not represent our school and our team with our colors, but that's what he asked so we should follow what he thinks is best for everybody," says Hawkins.

Fans heading to the game and have questions about safety or encounter any problems should call the Penn State Hotline at 1-800-Nittany (1-800-648-8269).