Nebraska blew a 21-3 second-quarter lead in a 41-21 home loss to UCLA on Saturday, but that's not why Cornhuskers coach Bo Pelini was apologizing Monday.
A 2011 recording of Pelini was published by the website Deadspin on Monday, and on the recording Pelini can be heard unleashing an expletive-filled outburst to express his frustration with Nebraska fans and media.
Pelini issued an apology for the remarks on Monday.
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"I want to sincerely apologize for my comments from two years ago which became public today," Pelini said in a statement. "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."
Nebraska's chancellor, Harvey Perlman, also addressed the issue Monday.
"I am aware of the publication of Coach Pelini's comments, I am disappointed and in discussions with Shawn Eichorst about addressing the issue," Perlman said in a statement.
Earlier in the day, Pelini responded to former Cornhuskers QB Tommie Frazier, who called for changes to the Nebraska coaching staff after the team's loss to UCLA.
"We have a staff, players and administration -- everybody here -- who's busting their butt to do everything we can to win football games and to do everything we can for student-athletes," Pelini said. "Since I came back here, I've embraced the former players, and if he feels like that, so be it. We don't need him. That's a shame. Until you've sat in this seat -- until you've sat and done it -- anybody can have an opinion. Anybody can do that. It's easy to point fingers and stand outside and throw stones. I take it for what it is."
Pelini has to be longing for the days when he could just pull a prank and take his team to a movie. Monday turned into a Cornhuskers horror film.
