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Nebraska football coach Bo Pelini says whoever leaked a two-year-old audio tape of his profanity-laced tirade against Husker fans had an "agenda." Pelini told reporters on the weekly Big Ten Conference coaches' call he did not know who leaked the audio. (Listen to Pelini's entire question-and-answer session from the call below.)
Pelini said he knew "something" was out there, but was shocked when he found out the audio of his private conversation was made public. The Husker coach said he was upset when he made the comments following the team's 2011 win against Ohio State. Pelini was angry a number of fans left the game early.
(Photo courtesy of Aaron Babcock, "Hail Varsity")
Nebraska football coach Bo Pelini on the Husker sidelines during a recent game.
Pelini said he does not know if he will be disciplined for the outburst, in which he referred to "fair-weather fans" among a string of profanities. Pelini was also critical of two local newspaper writers during the rant.
The audio was made public Monday afternoon on the sports website Deadspin. The website did not reveal details of who provided them with the audio.
Pelini issued a written public apology to fans Monday night, saying his comments in the recording came at an "emotional" time and are "in no way indicative of my true feelings." He once again apologized to fans during the conference call and said he is hopeful Nebraska fans will forgive him.
Nebraska chancellor Harvey Perlman and athletic director Shawn Eichorst also issued written statements Monday night, saying they were "disappointed." Perlman said he had discussions with Eichorst about "addressing the issue." As of Tuesday morning, Pelini said he had met with Eichorst and spoken by phone with Perlman.