The Penn State Board of Trustees are wrapping up their visit in Hershey. A public comment session scheduled Friday afternoon, brought a lot of people to the meeting.
"The dialogue that were trying to establish is just not occurring." Former PSU football player, Brian Masella said as he addressed the board.
More than 30 other former Penn State players, joined Masella at the meeting for a couple of reasons, including the way the trustees handled the firing of Joe Paterno.
"For 16 months they've remained in a protective cocoon since they fired Joe and went on to the Freeh Report exceptions and the NCAA and its exceptions in the sanctions." Masella said.
The Freeh Report has been long criticized for being fundamentally flawed and incorrect. But Masella and other former football players hope the trustees, will read the Paterno family's report, and search for answers. "We wish them to look it at it, read it and not what they did with the Freeh Report, not read it and compare it and make some changes that basically looks more into the truth as to what happened."
The public session came only after a long day of meetings with updates from several committees and the President's report by Rodney Erickson, who is leaving his post by next summer and a search for a new President is under way.
But only 10 people were able to speak publicly, Jeff Goldsmith of Harrisburg was told he wasn't allowed. "My request was denied and when I asked why, I was told I was denied because I was a trustee candidate."
He wants the board to consider reform changes. He said he wrote back asking if he can't speak to the board as a candidate, then would other trustee incumbents be able to. "I didn't receive any response back."
But those former players who all came together hope the Board of Trustees will listen to them.
"You have to start listening to the alumni. You work for us, you made decisions under the fear of emotion without facts and now it's time to set the record straight."
