As of 3 p.m. Monday, Penn State Men’s Basketball Head Coach Pat Chambers has yet to hear from the Big Ten regarding his criticisms of a late game officiating decision in Penn State 76-73 loss to Maryland.
Even when he almost certainly does, that won’t change what Chambers plans on doing for the rest of his time at Penn State.
“Saturday is over with.” Chambers said on Monday. “I’m passionate about my players, I’m passionate about my program and I will fight for these guys every second that I’m the head coach here and every minute for this university for these fans and for these alums. But it’s over. We have to move on to Wisconsin. Know that Sandy Barbour and I have met, and that she is 100 percent behind me. Which is awesome. She likes everything that we’re doing, loves everything that we’re doing. The direction of the program. Loves our fight and our dedication.”
While the Big Ten has remained silent since Saturday evening, (Read them here) if the conference were to opt to fine Chambers, previous fines for similar comments would cost Chambers $10,000.
All in all it has been an interesting 48 hours for a basketball program not often found front and center in the college basketball discussion. If nothing else, Chambers’ aggressive criticism has seen far more positive responses from fans and alumni than most weeks. A sign that at least everyone is still paying attention in the dead of winter.
Undoubtedly given the chance, Chambers would gladly pay $10,000 in exchange for increased fan support, a little positive media attention and simply the right to say what is on his mind. So Saturday’s mini-rant wasn’t without its benefits.
Either way, Penn State faces No. 5 Wisconsin on Wednesday night in a game that will take a lot more than a few favorable calls to go the Nittany Lions way.
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