Statement Regarding Fan Behavior at Last Night’s Texas-Georgia Football Game
The University of Texas at Austin takes pride in the passion and enthusiasm of our fans, which are integral to the vibrant culture surrounding our athletics. However, we must address the unsportsmanlike conduct displayed by a small group of individuals during last night’s football game against the University of Georgia. Reports indicate that objects were thrown onto the field, disrupting the game and compromising the safety and integrity of all participants.
We extend our sincerest apologies to the players, coaches, and fans of the University of Georgia, as well as to the Southeastern Conference and the officiating crew. Such behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the values we uphold at the University of Texas. Our commitment to sportsmanship, respect, and fairness is paramount, and we expect every member of our Longhorn Nation to embody these principles at all times.
It is crucial to emphasize that our university community thrives on mutual respect, both on and off the field. Our athletes work tirelessly, dedicating countless hours to their training and education, and they deserve an environment that fosters competition without hostility. We believe that every participant, from players to officials, should be treated with dignity and respect. The actions of a few should not overshadow the dedication and sportsmanship of the many.
Moving forward, we are dedicated to ensuring that incidents like this do not recur. We will be reviewing our policies and security measures to better protect everyone involved in our sporting events. This includes collaborating with law enforcement and our event staff to implement more stringent regulations and education programs for our fans, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and responsible behavior during games.
We appreciate the overwhelming support of Longhorn Nation and believe in our collective ability to rise above this incident. Together, we can create a positive atmosphere that highlights the best of collegiate athletics. Our university stands for excellence, not only in academics and sports but also in how we conduct ourselves as a community. We are confident that we will continue to represent our university with pride and respect in all our future endeavors.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Kevin Eltife, Chairman, UT System Board of Regents
Jay Hartzell, President, University of Texas at Austin
Chris Del Conte, Vice President and Athletics Director
