Big 12 suspends TCU safety for first half of championship game

TCU will play the first half of the Big 12 Championship Game without safety Nick Orr because of his role in a fight during the Baylor game.

The Big 12 announced Sunday that Orr and two Baylor players were seen throwing punches on video during the skirmish in the third quarter of Friday’s game at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

TCU won 45-22 to qualify for the Big 12 title game against Oklahoma, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Orr, who has started 38 consecutive games for the Horned Frogs, is TCU’s third-leading tackler and tied for the team lead in interceptions with two. He led the team with four interceptions last year.

Without Orr, TCU will again have to play at less than full strength on defense against OU. Defensive end Mat Boesen was ejected in the first half for kicking in the Nov. 11 game between the Frogs and Sooners in Norman.

“These sanctions are the direct result of clear video evidence which shows Nick Orr and JaMycal Hasty throwing punches at opposing players and D.J. Artis kicking and punching at TCU players,” Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said in a statement accompanying the announcement of the penalties.

The Baylor players will serve their suspensions in the season opener next year, the Big 12 said.

This story was originally published November 26, 2017 at 2:03 PM with the headline "Big 12 suspends TCU safety for first half of championship game."