Big 12 coordinator of officials Greg Burks clarified the conference’s stance on penalizing players for using the “Horns Down” gesture against Texas.

During the Big 12 Media Days, Burks was asked about the continuation of penalizing “Horns Down” gestures. Burks used the time to address how officials will treat the gesture moving forward when teams play Texas.

For the last three seasons, teams were penalized for using the gesture. In 2022, Burks noted that in order to receive a penalty for the gesture, it will depend on the situation.

“I was waiting for that. … I have no ownership on this symbol. It’s when you do it, who you do it to and the manner,” Burks said. “Please, the state of Oklahoma, I meant no offense.”

Penalties will be assessed based on the circumstances of the gesture. Oklahoma played a role in the “Horns Down” gesture being a penalty and other Big 12 schools used the gesture to taunt Texas.

Burks understood that this ruling would upset fans from certain schools, but he wanted to make it clear that the officials needed to address taunting.

“It’s not about Horns Up or Horns Down. It’s about the manner that you do anything on the field toward an opponent,” Burks said, per On3.

When Texas leaves the Big 12, the gesture will still be treated as “any other taunting penalty.” Burks provided clarity to the controversial penalty.