Players’ names are being added to Penn State’s football jerseys for the coming season, the university announced Tuesday, along with blue ribbons to show support for victims of child abuse.
The team’s generic look – blue-and-white, no names on jerseys – has long been a trademark and was associated with the buttoned-down style of former coach Joe Paterno, who was fired last year after his former assistant Jerry Sandusky was arrested on child molestation charges.
School officials said adding the names was a way to recognize the “resolve and dedication” of the players, as the team faces a four-year bowl ban and loss of scholarships under the severe penalties handed down by the NCAA last month over the school’s handling of the Sandusky scandal.
The changes will take effect with the Sept. 1 season opener at home against Ohio University.
Nothing — but nothing — shows you care about an issue like a ribbon. Problem solved!