BishopAccountability.org
Osu Gives Warm Reception to Penn State Fans at the Shoe

By Nadia Bashir
Nbc4i
November 19, 2011

http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2011/nov/19/osu-gives-warm-reception-penn-state-fans-shoe-ar-835034/

[with video]

COLUMBUS, Ohio --

Ohio State fans gave a warm greeting to Penn State fans at The 'Shoe Saturday, as the Nittany Lions played their first away game since the Jerry Sandusky alleged sex scandal broke.

For most, circumstances under which both teams played on this cloudy November day were unimaginable a year ago.

The game began with both teams crossing the field to shake hands in a show of sportsmanship. Darcy Mossman is a Penn State alumna who now lives in Dublin. She shared her thoughts on the Penn State scandal, saying she will always support her school.

"I'm really disappointed, I love Joe Pa but if he had a part in it then I really feel like he needed to go," Mossman said.

Many OSU fans said they support Penn State and Paterno.

"I love Joe Pa! I support Joe no matter what! He is an icon, he is an icon," OSU fan Cara Zang said.

Buckeye fan Krissy Vargo traveled from Lexington for the game.

"The most important thing is how a school can bounce back from it and I think Penn State has obviously taken a very serious stance on it," Vargo said.

Buckeye fans struck up conversations with Penn State fans, in many cases without knowing them. Huddles of blue and red could be seen outside The 'Shoe. Penn State fans told NBC4 they received a warm reception from Buckeyes.

"We love Columbus! You guys have welcomed us, great! All you fans are super!" said David Graham.

"The people have been really friendly around here, just a great time!" said Ralph Smith who traveled with Graham from Pennsylvania for the game.

But signs of the scandal were present. Outside The 'Shoe, advocates against child sex abuse held signs and passed out flyers. Kristine Ward is with the National Survivor Advocates Coalition (NSAC).

"It's a difficult topic anyway, but now that it's come to football, people need to realize that it could happen here. It could happen in the schools and universities their children go to," Ward said.


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