Penn State basketball lost to Maryland on February 14, but not without controversy. Jordan Dickerson, Penn State’s 7-foot center, was literally tackled with less than 2 minutes go, but the foul was called against him. There were several other no calls in the final minutes that objectively contributed to Penn State’s 3-point loss, continuing a disturbing trend of terrible calls against the Nittany Lions.

“That is the worst call I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” Pat Chambers said after the game. “It’s a joke. It’s a joke the way we’re officiated. It’s disappointing. And there was an elbow that they didn’t want to call that they should have called that normally gets called against us. Frustrating, disappointing.”

Big Ten rules prohibit coaches from criticizing officials, even if they are consistently terrible. As a result, Penn State, as Chambers’ employer, was fined $10,000 and the coach was reprimanded by the conference.

As any good journalism organization should, we at Onward State always appreciate when coaches are honest during press conferences instead of the normal coach-speak. Pat has always been one of the best interviews at Penn State, giving you straightforward responses and not beating around the bush. Besides, he’s right — this may actually be the worst call of the season. We don’t want to see a coach punished simply for speaking his mind. Please consider donating through Onward State to pay the fine issued by this totalitarian regime. Simply go to http://www.gofundme.com/chambersfine and pledge as much as you feel comfortable.

Collectively, as Nittany Nation, we can neutralize this fine rendered simply for sticking up for his team. Pat Chambers spit some hot truth and is losing five figures because of it, which is almost as absurd as 75% of the foul calls on Donovon Jack and Jordan Dickerson this season. Let’s show the Big Ten that we stand by our coach, and will fight their tyranny at all costs, both literal and figurative. Besides, hasn’t Penn State been issued enough fines in the recent past?

PLEASE NOTE: We fully intend to deliver these funds to Chambers, although we have NOT been in touch with anyone from the Athletic Department, nor is this project endorsed by anyone associated with Penn State Basketball or the Athletic Department. If we reach our goal and Chambers declines the money, we will donate the entire amount to the Penn State chapter of Uplifting Athletes, in addition to any amount raised in excess of $10,000. We will post a picture of the check exchange in either case. Rest assured that your money is going to a good place.