Steelers, ex-PSU OL Stefan Wisniewski: ‘The Big Ten is going to look really stupid not playing’
Late during a 10-minute video conference call with media that mostly dealt with his role on the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line this season, Stefan Wisniewski cracked a smile.
It was one part incredulity, one part an attempt at restraint.
“I don’t know how to say this without offending lots of people …” Wisniewski said, pausing to ponder his words after being asked about the Big Ten’s decision to postpone fall sports, including football.
“Yeah … umm … I’ll try not to get too political, but I’m really sad,” the former Penn State all-conference center said Friday. “I love Big Ten football, I love Penn State…
“So I’m just really sad and really disappointed. I’ll go ahead and say something mild: I really think they should play. … I … I’ll just say that. They should be playing. I’m really mad that they’re not, to be honest.”
The Big Ten announced Aug. 11 it was postponing fall sports out of concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic. The Pac-12 soon followed, but the other three power conferences intend to play.
Since the decision was announced, star Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields started an online petition #WeWantToPlay that has attracted more than 300,000 virtual signatures. Some programs, such as Nebraska, initially explored options to play outside the umbrella of the conference. Penn State coach James Franklin expressed polite disappointment, and scores of players have reacted negatively on social media. A group of Nebraska players has sued the conference.
“If I thought I could change something, I would make a big, bold, long statement, or I would have released a statement,” Wisniewski said. “But I think the decision is made.
“So I’ll just say I’m sad, mad and disappointed in Big Ten leadership that the SEC and ACC and Big 12, they’re going to play and probably be fine and the Big Ten is going to look really stupid not playing. So I’ll say that, and I’ll stop before I get myself in trouble.”
The Big Ten is exploring playing its football season in the spring.
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Chris Adamski is a TribLive reporter who has covered primarily the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2014 following two seasons on the Penn State football beat. A Western Pennsylvania native, he joined the Trib in 2012 after spending a decade covering Pittsburgh sports for other outlets. He can be reached at cadamski@triblive.com.
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