A costly win? TCU receives fine, reprimand by Big 12 for field storming after Texas win
TCU’s win over Texas came with an additional price tag on Wednesday.
The Big 12 handed a $25,000 fine to TCU for the handling of a field storming incident following a 37-27 victory over then-No. 15 Texas. The conference also issued a public reprimand to the school.
Kansas and Kansas State were issued reprimands, too, and K-State also received a $25,000 fine for field storming after it upset Oklahoma.
The Big 12 cited its “principles and standards of sportsmanship” in announcing the fines and reprimands.
“Our institutions have a duty to provide a safe game environment,” Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said in a statement. “Although the Big 12 does not currently have a policy prohibiting spectators from entering playing areas for post-game celebrations, it is of utmost importance that home game management provide adequate security measures for our student-athletes, coaches, game officials and spectators.
“That expectation includes providing safe passage from the playing field to the locker room, and protection of the visiting team bench area.”
TCU athletic director Jeremiah Donati issued the following statement on the fine and reprimand: “While Saturday was certainly an exciting day for our students and fans, we understand and appreciate the Big 12 Conference’s sportsmanship policy and acknowledge that we fell short of that standard following the game.”
TCU coach Gary Patterson had no issues with the students rushing the field after the victory. After all, his team had lost consecutive Big 12 road games and there weren’t many positive vibes around the team.
“It’s not my first time at TCU that fans have come onto the field,” Patterson said. “The thing I liked about it was just the relationship for the kids in the student section and our team. The kids wanting to celebrate with the team was the biggest thing for me.
“It’s important for your athletic teams to have a great relationship with your student body.”
TCU has won five of its last six games against Texas.
The Frogs are on the road this weekend with a trip to Oklahoma State. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium.
This story was originally published October 30, 2019 at 6:11 PM.
