TCU, Baylor ADs decry vandalism

Their game is still weeks away, but it appears that Baylor and TCU fans have gotten an early start on igniting the rivalry.

Vandals have hit both campuses recently, prompting investigations and a joint statement from athletic department officials condemning the actions.

In their statement released Friday, TCU athletic director Chris Del Conte and Baylor vice president and athletic director Ian McCaw did not elaborate on the vandalism at their schools, but social media posts showed green spray paint on TCU property and purple paint on the statute of Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III at Baylor.

Social media posts showed “61-58” spray-painted at various locations at TCU, in reference to the Bears’ win last season in Waco. A TCU official called the damage “widespread.”

Del Conte could not immediately be reached for comment.

At Baylor, vandals defaced a bronze statute of Griffin at the south end of McLane Stadium.

Here is their statement:

“TCU and Baylor are both outstanding institutions and share a proud athletics history,” Del Conte said. “Both campuses have recently been hit by acts of vandalism directed towards each other. These actions will not be tolerated. We are working closely with Baylor and public safety officials at both Universities on their investigations. We implore all those who are passionate about their school to respect each other and support their Universities in a positive manner.”

“Baylor and TCU are two outstanding Universities who have great respect for one another, academically and athletically, and it is most disappointing that the actions of a few cast a negative light on a rivalry that dates back more than a century,” McCaw said. “Public safety officials on both campuses are investigating these senseless acts of vandalism and unacceptable behavior.”

TCU hosts Baylor at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 27 at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

This story was originally published October 9, 2015 at 1:36 PM with the headline "TCU, Baylor ADs decry vandalism."