AUSTIN, Texas — Coach Steve Sarkisian on Monday cited the Texas Longhorns’ “enthusiastic fan base” after the team was fined by the SEC and threatened further sanctions. said they needed to use “better judgment”.
After receiving an apparent pass interference penalty against the Longhorns, Texas fans threw water bottles and trash onto the field in the third quarter of Saturday night’s loss to Georgia. The game was briefly delayed for clean-up, but the penalty was eventually rescinded.
Sarkisian took to the field at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium and begged fans to stop throwing things.
“I know we have a passionate fan base, and I think it showed Saturday night,” Sarkisian said Monday. “I think we were all a little shaken up in that moment, and I think we all need to act a little more wisely in moments like that.
“I don’t want the narrative to be that that’s what DKR is all about. The football game was too good for that to be the whole focus. I think in the end they got it (the penalty reversal).” Right. “
School administrators and SEC officials condemned the fans’ actions Sunday.
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The SEC fined Texas $250,000 and ordered the school to utilize available resources to find and suspend the fan who threw the debris, review its alcohol service policy, and investigate the school. It said it must meet requirements assigned by SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, including reporting results to the SEC.
The SEC did not suspend alcohol sales in Texas, but the league said it could do so if the Longhorns do not meet these requirements.
Texas released a joint statement from Regents Chairman Kevin Eltif, University of Texas President Jay Hartzell and Athletic Director Chris Del Conte condemning the bottle throwing and condemning Georgia players and staff, the SEC and the game. He apologized to those involved.
“This type of behavior will not be tolerated,” it said in a statement. “We are committed to fostering a positive environment for all participants, teams, officials and fans, and will take steps to ensure this type of behavior never occurs again.”
Texas has not said what those measures will be.