East Meadow Grad Rallies Troops for Penn State Support

For Rich Mauti, a graduate of , something needs to be done to bring the people of Penn State back together.

That's why Mauti, 56, sent emails to more than 800 former Nittany Lions trying to rally support for Penn State, according to the Associated Press. According to the same report, at least 75 former players have agreed to attend Saturday's game against Nebraska.

"It's for the kids that have to go out there on Saturday," Mauti, who played under Joe Paterno from 1974 to 1976 and went on to play in the NFL, told the AP. "It's a show of support for that. It's not going to be banners and flags and bands. It's going to be the Penn State Way. It's going to be our presence. Hopefully, we get enough guys there that will mean something."

From ESPN:

Mauti emphasized he's not forgetting or minimizing the scandal and possible cover-up centered on former defensive coordiator and one-time head coach heir apparent Jerry Sandusky.

On Wednesday, Paterno and school president Graham Spanier were fired from their posts. Mauti's effort is intended to help the players and fans of Penn State reestablish their pride in the Nittany Lion tradition.

"I'm not condoning any activities that have been alleged. That's not the purpose," Mauti, whose son Michael is on the current team, said. "I'm trying to get everyone that has been through that program, that has had a positive experience, to support the kids and the program and the school at this juncture."

Information in this report was provided by The Associated Press.