Insurance giant State Farm – you know, the folks who are supposed to “be there” for you when things get bad – has decided that maybe being a “good neighbor” means nothing if you suddenly find yourself being dumped on by the NCAA.

State Farm no longer will have signs in Beaver Stadium and it will not run commercials on radio broadcasts of home games.

“It’s a result of all the information that has been going on with Penn State over the last year,” said spokeswoman Arlene Lester. “The decision was based on our business needs at this time.”

“It’s not an image issue … we’re just doing what’s right,” she said. “We don’t want to be a supporter of something that’s not right in a community. We’re about helping communities succeed and prosper.”

Yes, Arlene. We believe you.

Not.

Let’s see the University’s response:

In a written statement, Penn State said, “Our focus remains on rebuilding the Penn State culture and strengthening our community. We respect the decisions of sponsors who have chosen to pursue other paths and appreciate their years of support. We remain grateful for the continued relationships with our other partners as we begin a new chapter in Penn State’s history.”

These guys are starting to sound like hostages. The only thing missing from the above statement is “We are being treated well, and hope to be reunited with our families soon.”

Oh, well. Already started looking tonight to replace all of my State Farm stuff which should take about a week.

I hope that somebody at PSU keeps track of their “partners” who bail on them now, and keeps ‘em out when things are good again.

About Phil Kerner

Phil Kerner is an Erie native who enjoys writing about his hometown and Penn State football. Phil is married to Heidi Parr Kerner aka "The Queen" and is the proud father of four sons: Matthew, Robert, Nicholas and Jordan.