UNIVERSITY PARK — The introduction of new football coach Matt Campbell included an apology from Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft.

A 35-minute audio recording of a meeting with players prior to the Nittany Lions’ game with Rutgers (Nov. 29) was leaked late last week.

It was a not good look, or sound, from Kraft, who used profanity (F-bombs) throughout and disparaged many Big Ten members.

“I’m embarrassed,” he said Monday. “I apologize to anyone that I may have offended with that video (actually audio). Personally, it’s been challenging for me … I fell short of the standard I should represent for all my staff that sits up there, all 833 athletes that I represent. I can’t apologize enough for those who I may have offended. I’ve got to get better.”

Kraft had accepted the meeting from the players who wanted to advocate for interim coach Terry Smith.

“Every one of my athletes knows they can call me at any point in time, and I have open and honest discussions whenever they want,” Kraft said. “We’re moving on. We handled it in the family.”

Notable departure

Defensive tackle Zane Durant has become the first upperclassmen to opt out of the Pinstripe Bowl to declare for the NFL Draft. Durant announced his intentions Monday night on X.