In a shocking turn of events, Penn State Nittany Lions head football coach James Franklin is at the center of allegations claiming he meddled in the medical decisions made by the program's doctors and trainers. The allegations were made by a former team doctor during a wrongful termination lawsuit.

The former team doctor, Dr. Pete Seidenberg, testified on Tuesday as part of the lawsuit involving the former director of athletic medicine and orthopedic consultant, Dr. Scott Lynch. Lynch was fired from both roles in March 2019. Seidenberg's testimony shed light on Franklin's alleged interference in medical matters.

According to Seidenberg's testimony, Franklin had approached the medical team with the request to medically disqualify a former player who was undergoing short-term psychiatric care and was contemplating suicide. The medical disqualification would have allowed Franklin to use the scholarship on another player during the recruiting process.

Both Seidenberg and Lynch refused to grant Franklin's request for the player's medical disqualification, raising concerns about the coach's involvement in medical decisions. Seidenberg further testified that Franklin would discuss treatment advice and options given to the players during meetings with the medical team.

Seidenberg recalled instances where Franklin had pressured the medical staff to allow injured players to return to the field ahead of schedule. These discussions took place on Friday nights before Saturday games. Seidenberg mentioned a specific incident where Franklin wanted a key starter to return to action, even though the training staff had not cleared the player.

"He was angry with our decision," Seidenberg stated during his testimony, emphasizing Franklin's frustration with the medical team's refusal to clear the player for play.

If these allegations hold true, it could cast a dark shadow over Franklin and the Penn State football program, which has faced its fair share of scandals in the past. However, it remains unclear whether Franklin will face any disciplinary action following these allegations.

The allegations of meddling in medical decisions raise concerns about player welfare and the integrity of medical staff's decision-making process within the football program. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and what implications it may have for both Franklin and Penn State.