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The Penn State fan who sent a controversial letter to a Nittany Lion player that was posted on social media Monday night is standing by what he said.

Dave Petersen, who is said to be a 1966 Penn State grad and former football season ticket holder from Johnstown, according to the Tribune-Democrat, told the outlet on Tuesday that he did not know the letter, which complains about safety Jonathan Sutherland’s dreadlocks, caused a social media stir.

Penn State safety Jonathan Sutherland gets taped up before the game at Maryland Stadium on Sept. 27, 2019. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

“I would just like to see the coaches get the guys cleaned up and not looking like Florida State and Miami guys," Petersen told the Tribune-Democrat’s Chip Minemyer. Petersen added that it was “not the intent” to make any racial or cultural statements, however, Shelton asked “how is this not racist" in his Twitter post sharing the letter.

“It wasn’t threatening or anything," Petersen continued in the Tribune-Democrat interview. "I was just disgruntled about some of the hairdos that we’re seeing.

"You think of Penn State as a bunch of clean-cut guys. And you do see so many who are clean cut. But the tattoos and the hair – there are a lot of guys with hair coming down their backs and it just looks awful. And it’s the same for the NFL and NBA, too.”

In a September interview with reporters, Sutherland said he’s worn his hair with dreadlocks for about 10 years, and added that it’s part of who he is now.

Penn State coach James Franklin has now responded to the letter. That story is here.

Read Petersen’s full comments in the Tribune-Democrat story here.

Penn State released the following statement on Monday night:

“At Penn State we strive to create an atmosphere that promotes inclusivity and respect. The well-being of students, faculty and staff members is the University’s priority. As part of this, Penn State provides a range of assistance and resources for students and employees, and we encourage any community member who needs support to reach out.”

Sandy Barbour, the Lions’ vice president of intercollegiate athletics, added her own thoughts on social media, writing:

“I stand with our Penn State student athletes and appreciate how they represent PSU in competition, in the classroom and in the community. Their dress, tattoos, or hairstyle has no impact on my support, nor does their gender, skin color, sexuality or religion!”

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