James Franklin questions 'un-American' Virginia Tech penalty for high-fiving military cadets after touchdown
Fox News • • sports
Key Points:
- Virginia Tech dominated VMI with a 73-3 victory in the first game under coach James Franklin, showcasing a strong offensive and defensive performance.
- Despite the blowout win, Franklin expressed frustration over a penalty called against running back Marcellous Hawkins Jr. for high-fiving cadets in the front row, which was deemed unsportsmanlike conduct.
- The penalty was based on NCAA rules prohibiting excessive or prolonged celebrations and the requirement for players to promptly return the ball after scoring.
- Franklin criticized the penalty, calling it "somewhat un-American," given the celebration involved members of Virginia Tech's historic Corps of Cadets.
- Virginia Tech amassed 619 yards of offense while limiting VMI to just 83 yards, marking an emphatic start to Franklin's tenure at the school.
