Penn State defensive tackle Fred Hansard apologized after delivering a cheap shot along the sideline Saturday on Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.
Hansard posted his apology to Tagovailoa and the Maryland Terrapins on Twitter.
“I would like to extend my sincere apologies for the unfortunate incident that took place on the sideline on Saturday. It was truly an act of impulse, and not malice. I did not and would not intentionally try to hurt another player. I believe in the integrity and the rules of the game. My actions were not in line with the expectations we have for ourselves as a Penn State Football program. Please accept my apology for any unsportsmanlike behavior.”
The hit occurred in the third quarter of Saturday’s game won by Penn State 31-14.
Tagovailoa’s momentum took him into a wall of Penn State players standing on the sideline. One of those players not in the game was Hansard, who shoved Tagovailoa to the ground.
Tagovailoa laid on the sideline visibly in pain. Officials stopped the clock to signal Tagovailoa had to come out of the game for at least one play. However, Hansard was not penalized for the hit.
Hansard also apologized to his teammate offensive lineman Rasheed Walker. Walker wears the same number (53) as Hansard. Walker has been incorrectly subject to backlash from fans.
“I would also like to apologize to my teammate and brother, Rasheed Walker. Not only did my actions make you the subject of false public cricism on Saturday, but I also misrepresented what it means to wear #53 for Penn State Football.”
Ironically, Walker is from Waldorf, Maryland and an alum of North Point High School.
Maryland head coach Mike Locksley admitted he did not see the play while on the field. His coaching staff alerted him that a flag should have been thrown for the hit.
Tagovailoa returned after sitting out one play and finished the game. He threw for 371 yards while completing 41-of-57 passes. He also threw a touchdown pass and an interception that was returned for an 87-yard touchdown for Penn State late in fourth quarter.
