Former Penn State football star Micah Parsons opted out of the 2020 college football season this past offseason to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Parsons’ loss was a big one for the Nittany Lions, as he quickly established himself as one of the best defensive players in the country during his two years on the field for Penn State.

Since his opt out decision, many fans have criticized the All-American linebacker, calling him selfish and blaming him for Penn State’s early-season struggles.

Parsons sent out a tweet following Penn State’s loss to Ohio State saying that it isn’t about him opting out and that it’s a team game.

Some of the responses were not-so nice, to say the least.

Be real, a big part of it is about you opting out. We just played a team that had their stars come back and look what happened. Yes, we lost more than just you but if you’re the player they all say, you can change a game. You were great at PSU but not the LEGEND like prior LBs

— Preston (@Preddy87) November 1, 2020

Hahaha Keep your mouth shut. You’re nothing but a quitter and always will be. You’ll never have respect. You’ll never know what it means to have your teammates back. You’re fake bro

— Tim Blaine (@TimmyB249) November 1, 2020

You are not in a position to be commenting on anything related to the team. Your selfish decision to not particiate let everyone down.

— TheShiipwreck (@TShiipwreck) November 1, 2020

You left this team. Please stop tweeting about us. The next generation of PSU fans won’t even know you existed. Bye

— ?? (@AmericanKid_2) November 1, 2020

There were a bunch more, but let’s just make one thing clear: There is absolutely no reason to criticize Parsons for his decision, and he is certainly not the reason Penn State is 0-2.

Parsons made the decision that was right for himself and his family. Let’s not forget the coronavirus is still very real and can have a serious impact on someone. Parsons, who’s already a projected top-10 overall pick in next year’s draft, could’ve been putting himself at risk by playing, and possibly jeopardizing his future in the process.

For anyone to question his decision is absolutely foolish. In fact, it comes off as extremely tone-deaf considering the times we are in. As one of the most dominant players we’ve possibly ever seen at Penn State, Parsons should be beloved by the entire fanbase, not scrutinized for making the best decision for himself.

Additionally, there have been plenty of people saying that Parsons’ absence is why Penn State is 0-2. The Nittany Lions’ struggles in the first two games run much deeper than Parsons’ absence.

Did Parsons turn the ball over three times against Indiana? Did Parsons commit 10 penalties against Indiana? Was it Parsons who totaled just 75 offensive yards in the first half against Ohio State?

The obvious answers to all of these are “no,” and it just shows that people are far too quick to blame a 21-year-old who gave his heart to this program during his time here.

Obviously, Brent Pry’s defense misses Parsons. That’s a no-brainer. When you lose one of the best players in the country, it’s definitely going to hurt. However, it’s clear that the struggles of James Franklin’s squad have to do with plenty of other factors.

Instead of bashing one of the best players in the program’s recent history, be grateful for the two years he was here and support him on his journey towards the NFL.

As far as the current struggles are concerned, focus on the players on the team instead of someone who has nothing to do with the team’s performance.