Reporter behind viral James Franklin question says he received death threats

James Franklin’s Tuesday press conference created quite a stir on social media. That came about when a reporter asked a question about deep shots and the potential need for Drew Allar to begin giving his receivers a chance to make some plays.

Needless to say, Franklin did not agree with the idea, giving a “strong no” to the prospect of Allar throwing passes to receivers not currently open. Franklin also said the idea had his “skin curling,” noted the idea sounded like “you’re speaking Japanese,” and said the question made him “uncomfortable.”

The reporter has since identified himself as Cory Giger with DKPittsburghSports.com. Giger owned the question as a bad one with a sound idea that he admits was worded “very poorly.”

Giger also noted on social media he’s tried to roll with the criticism that has come his way, but he revealed he’s received death threats since the incident. The reporter pointed to some messages saying “I should kill myself” and others noting wishes that Giger “would actually get murdered.”

That’s extremely disappointing, unfortunate, and uncalled for by any individual.

I asked a bad question to James Franklin. No doubt. I own it.
Idea was sound, but I worded Q very poorly.
I’ve tried to roll w/ the criticism.
But when people message saying I should kill myself or they wish I would actually get murdered … that’s difficult.
It’s just football.

— Cory Giger (@CoryGiger) October 11, 2023

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.