Rutgers AD Julie Hermann Apologizes For Fans' 'Classless' Behavior During PSU Game

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Rutgers athletic director Julie Hermann has issued an apology in regard to fans who displayed questionable behavior on Saturday night at High Point Solutions Stadium.

Rutgers lost to Penn State, 13-10, in its first Big Ten Conference game.

While tailgating before the game, some fans wore "Beat Ped State" T-shirts, an obvious reference to the Jerry Sandusky child-abuse scandal.

One group of fans was pictured flying a banner that featured the Penn State logo and two figures performing a lewd act.

Hermann issued the following statement of apology on Monday.

"On behalf of Rutgers University and the athletic department, we would like to apologize for the regrettable actions of a handful of Rutgers fans on Saturday that do not convey the message of good, competitive spirit that we look forward to having with our new Big Ten rival, Penn State University. Some of the signage and T-shirts that we have been made aware of were both inappropriate and offensive.

"I have spoken with and apologized to the Penn State athletic director, Sandy Barbour, and I would like to apologize equally to the Penn State University fans -- as well as Rutgers fans -- that were subjected to this classless display that does not represent the ethos of our university, athletic department or fan base.

"The two inappropriate pictures that appeared briefly on our Facebook page as part of a 200-picture montage were immediately removed when we were alerted to their content. It is unfortunate that the actions of a few spoiled an otherwise historic and record-setting night that Rutgers fans provided for our first Big Ten football game."

The Scarlet Knights (2-1) will take on Navy in Annapolis on Saturday.

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