AUSTIN (KXAN) — University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell issued a letter to students over the weekend reprimanding behavior displayed at the Longhorns’ football game against the University of Georgia on Saturday.
The letter followed news that the Southeastern Conference would penalize UT over an incident in which fans threw trash onto the field during the game. The university must pay $250,000 and “use all available resources” to identify and ban fans who were involved in the incident, among other actions, according to a release from the SEC.
Texas fans launched water bottles and other debris onto the field after what appeared to be an interception and big return by Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron in the third quarter, only to be initially called back due to a defensive pass interference penalty, digital sports reporter Billy Gates reported Sunday. Trash rained down onto the field from the north and northwest side of the stadium, where the student section is located, and Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian rushed over and yelled at them to stop, waving his arms frantically.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, who was at the game, said it resulted in an interruption of play that “cannot be part of any SEC event.”
Hartzell said it was a “profoundly disappointing moment” that had nothing to do with the outcome of the game, the letter read in part.
He said that not only did throwing trash and debris onto the field pose a safety risk to everyone on the field, but it also harmed the university’s reputation by “embarrassing Longhorn Nation.” Hartzell also added that the incident “made a bad early impression” on Georgia and the Longhorns’ new conference colleagues.
UT’s game against Georgia was the Longhorn’s third conference game in the SEC.
Our reputation that is typically characterized by sportsmanship and excellence took decades to build, but it can be materially tarnished in moments. There are similar lessons to learn from your time at UT that will serve you well after you graduate. We must take actions to protect the safety of others, as well as the hard-earned status we all enjoy as being part of this great institution.
UT President Jay Hartzell
Hartzell on Saturday also issued a joint message with UT System Chairman Kevin Eltife and UT Director of Athletics Chris Del Conte apologizing to the University of Georgia, the SEC and the entire fan base for “this display of bad sportsmanship.”
Hartzell added that the university agrees with the SEC’s approach to the penalties “because it is the right thing to do.”
“We have zero tolerance for behavior that is completely at odds with our University’s commitment to conduct ourselves as a community of responsible leaders.”
“At UT, we take great pride in doing the right thing and taking responsibility for our actions. We love the passion that sports evoke in our fans, but the combination of passion and frustration went too far in this instance,” Hartzell said concluding the letter. “We have two more home football games to show that we know how to conduct ourselves in ways befitting one of the top universities in the country, and a member of the SEC. I expect all UT students to act accordingly out of respect for your classmates, your university, and Longhorns everywhere.”
