The University of Minnesota is apologizing after its mascot mocked a Penn State football player who prayed before last week's game.

Penn State's Jerome Hayes kneeled in prayer in the end zone and Goldy Gopher then kneeled in front of Hayes.

The mascot also tried to make some contact, but Hayes ignored him and returned to the bench.

A University of Minnesota spokesman now says the stunt was "plainly a mistake" and the mascot did not intend to offend anyone or to trivialize religion.