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Come Fan with UsFriday, August 7, 2026

Bo Pelini apologizes for profane rant, Nebraska officials considering impact

Pelini is in hot water after a 2011 recording of him swearing at Nebraska fans and media surfaced on Monday.

Eric Francis

The University of Nebraska is in damage control after a recording of Bo Pelini going on a profanity-laced tirade against Cornhusker fans and media surfaced on Monday. The recording was taken after a come-from-behind win in 2011.

With the university and athletic department trying to figure out their next move, Pelini issued an apology on Monday evening.

“I want to sincerely apologize for my comments from two years ago which became public today. I take full responsibility for these comments. They were spoken in a private room following the Ohio State game. I was venting following a series of emotional events which led to this moment. That being said, these comments are in no way indicative of my true feelings. I love it here in Nebraska and feel fortunate to be associated with such a great University and fan base. I again apologize to anyone whom I have offended.”

University of Nebraska Chancellor Harvey Perlman also released a statement on Monday night, saying of the recording, “I’m aware of it and I’m disappointed. We are taking some time to consider it and what impact it would have on the university.”

When asked by a media member if Pelini’s tirade was a fireable offense, Perlman said he had no comment.

The timing of the recording being released came at the worst possible time for Pelini and Nebraska football. The Cornhuskers blew a 21-3 lead against UCLA on Saturday afternoon in Lincoln, losing by a score of 41-21.

Cornhuskers fans have weighed in on the situation over on our Nebraska blog, Corn Nation.

The big question now is whether Nebraska officials feel Pelini is legitimately sorry for his actions of two years ago, or if he’s just sorry that he got caught. The recording is not a good look for the 45-year-old head coach, who is notoriously intense and animated on the sidelines during games and practices.

More from SB Nation:

What we learned from the Alabama-Texas A&M classic

Pretty much everyone agrees Wisconsin-Arizona State ending was botched

All our coverage from Week 3’s Saturday

You shouldn’t care about Bo Pelini vs. Tommie Frazier

Would coaches rather replace Mack Brown or Lane Kiffin?

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