Texas Tech Fined $25K After Fans Threw Tortillas on Field During Win over Kansas
Saturday's game between Texas Tech and Kansas was a costly one for both schools.
The Big 12 announced Wednesday it fined Texas Tech $25,000 "for repeated instances of objects being thrown onto the field" and Kansas $25,000 "for disparaging comments about the Conference and a member institution, and an inaccurate statement regarding a pocketknife by head coach Lance Leipold."
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark released the following statement:
"After a formal review, Texas Tech did not take sufficient steps to prevent and deter the repeated throwing of objects onto the field and team bench areas. Coach Leipold's comments questioned the integrity and professionalism of both the Conference and a member institution. Both actions warranted a financial penalty.
"The Big 12 Conference prioritizes integrity and will have no further comment on the matter."
Texas Tech fans have traditionally thrown tortillas from the stands since the 1990s, but it is now against Big 12 rules.
The Red Raiders were penalized two different times during their win over the Jayhawks because of the tortilla throwing from the crowd. Leipold was not happy about the entire situation even with the penalties and confronted Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire about it after the game.
"A pocket knife was thrown and hit one of our staff members," Leipold told reporters. "It's ridiculous. It's supposed to be for safety and things like that, and it's a culture that's been accepted to a point, and it hasn't changed. Eventually, somebody's going to be seriously hurt, unfortunately."
However, video submitted to the league by Texas Tech proved that was not the case.
"I appreciate the Big 12 Conference's thorough review of events that took place during our game last Saturday at Texas Tech. I accept their findings and ultimate ruling," Leipold said in a statement. "I had an emotional reaction in the aftermath of the game and acknowledge that I need to be better. We are excited to move forward and finish our season strong."
As for the game itself, Texas Tech had little trouble on the way to a 42-17 victory.
Running back Cameron Dickey was unstoppable with 263 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while quarterback Will Hammond added two more scores on the ground with his legs. While Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels was solid with 255 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions through the air, the Jayhawks couldn't keep the pace against an explosive Texas Tech offense.
The Red Raiders also didn't allow a single point in the second half as they pulled away in front of the home fans.
They are now 6-0 overall and 3-0 in the Big 12, which has put them in the driver's seat to make the College Football Playoff and perhaps even compete for a first-round bye if they continue to play at such a level.
