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Texas leadership releases statement condemning fans for throwing trash onto field during Georgia game
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Texas made it known that the trash-throwing incident that happened during Saturday night’s game against Georgia was not appropriate behavior and would not be tolerated. The university released a statement on Sunday condemning the actions of those fans who let their frustrations boil over into something that shouldn’t have happened. UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife, UT President Jay Hartzell and Vice President and Lois and Athletics Director Chris Del Conte signed the statement.
“While we deeply appreciate the passion and loyalty of our fan base at The University of Texas at Austin, we do not condone the unsportsmanlike conduct that was exhibited by some individuals throwing objects onto the field during last night’s game and sincerely apologize to the University of Georgia players, coaches and fans, as well as the Southeastern Conference and officiating crew. This type of behavior will not be tolerated,” said part of the statement.
Late in the 3rd quarter of the showdown between then-top-ranked Texas and 5th-ranked Georgia in Austin, the Longhorns looked like they had a chance at a comeback when defensive back Jahdae Barron picked off Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck. But a pass interference call wiped out the interception, and then chaos ensued.
The crowd booed heavily and then the replay showed that the official might have missed the call. Then the fans on the northeast side of the stadium responded by throwing trash onto the field, delaying the game.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian was unhappy with the call, but he was also unhappy with the reaction of those particular fans in the eventual 30-15 loss.
“We all were frustrated in the moment. But you know … Longhorn Nation, I know we can be better than that,” Sarkisian said in the postgame press conference.
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
