The Big 12’s New Tortilla Policy: What Texas Tech Fans Need to Know
In an unusual twist of sports tradition and enforcement, Texas Tech University’s Athletics Director, Kirby Hocutt, recently announced that the university could face significant penalties due to fans throwing tortillas onto the football field. During a video conference call on Thursday, Hocutt warned students that persistently throwing tortillas could lead to a $100,000 fine from the Big 12 Conference.
The Policy Change
This warning follows a memo circulated by Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, which updated the conference’s guidelines regarding objects thrown onto the playing field. According to Hocutt, the revised policy specifies that any object hitting the sideline or end zone would also incur penalties—meaning fans might face repercussions for actions that have long been a part of the game day atmosphere.
“The stakes just got a lot higher, a lot quicker on Saturday afternoons,” Hocutt said during the call. He emphasized that fans would be issued a warning following the opening kickoff for the first instance of tortilla throwing, but a second offense could mean dire consequences, including a 15-yard penalty and a hefty financial fine.
Tradition Under Threat
The act of tossing tortillas has been a longstanding tradition in Texas Tech’s football culture, dating back to the early 1990s. However, this ritual came under scrutiny after a series of incidents during recent games. The Big 12 imposed a $25,000 fine on Texas Tech, citing “repeated instances” of tortillas being thrown onto the field, further complicating an already heated atmosphere.
This escalation in enforcement seems particularly urgent following a heated exchange between the head coaches of Texas Tech and Kansas after a recent game. Following Texas Tech’s 42-17 victory, conflicts between the coaches spilled over into public comments, resulting in additional penalties.
The Aftermath of Coach Confrontations
The friction between coaches reached a boiling point post-game, drawing attention away from the game itself. Coach Lance Leipold of Kansas, who faced a fine due to accusations of disparaging comments about the conference, addressed the issue of safety related to items thrown onto the field. “A pocketknife was thrown and hit one of our staff members,” he stated. This incident highlighted the potential dangers associated with fans throwing objects, pushing the conference to take action.
With tensions high, both coaches confronted each other at midfield, leading to an emotional exchange captured on camera. Coach Leipold’s frustrations reflected concerns about how the game—and its related traditions—were being managed in relation to safety and respect.
Most Recent Developments
Following the implementation of the new policy, Hocutt reminded fans of their responsibilities. The policy was not widely discussed among athletic directors but was implemented at Yormark’s discretion. As the season continues, Hocutt expressed hope that fans would take the warning seriously, particularly given the financial implications of repeated infractions.
In August, Big 12 athletic directors had previously voted to solidify their game management policy concerning thrown objects. Teams receiving warnings for the first two violations would subsequently face 15-yard penalties, a drastic measure aimed at maintaining game integrity and protecting all participants involved.
Fans’ Response to Policy Changes
Despite the new regulations, fans have expressed strong sentiments in favor of preserving their traditions. Hocutt himself acknowledged the significance of the tortilla toss as a part of the game day experience and noted that fans could still participate during the opening kickoff without immediate penalization. Yet, with the new rules in effect, it is crucial for fans to consider the potential consequences of their actions.
Both Texas Tech and Kansas have faced challenges in managing on-field decorum. The spotlight is now on Texas Tech as they prepare for an upcoming match against Arizona State, keeping an eye on fan behavior in light of the new penalties.
With the popularity of this tradition growing side-by-side with enforcement, fans at Texas Tech must navigate how to celebrate while respecting the new guidelines set forth by the Big 12.