In accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the Conference has issued a public reprimand and $25,000 fine of Texas Tech University for its handling of postgame protocol at the conclusion of the men’s basketball contest against West Virginia University on Saturday, January 13.
“We have a duty to provide a safe game environment,” said Big 12 Conference Commissioner Bob Bowlsby. “The Texas Tech Department of Athletics has a written event management policy which was unsuccessful in ensuring the safety and security of the visiting team game participants. Although the Big 12 Conference 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.”
I guess Wesley Harris #21 and @sagaba50 #50 from @WVUhoops were a little bitter after tonight’s loss to @TexasTechMBB Swinging at fans on the court ? @Big12Conference @espn #wreckem #gunsup #ttu #wvu pic.twitter.com/cpTdNolmVX
— Steven Gutierrez (@stevenjee13) January 14, 2018
It is important for the Mountaineers to be at full strength for their Big Monday showdown against Kansas. Hopefully all parties involved learned from the incident and can avoid altercations like this in the future.
As expected, there are some Texas Tech fans who are not happy with the results.
So the Big 12 fines #TexasTech $25K and “publicly reprimands” WVU’s Wesley Harris for punching a student, AKA they wagged their finger.
What a total joke. Had that student punched Harris, WVU would’ve raised unending hell to get him punished in a major way.
Spineless, Big 12.
— Will McKay (@Will_R_McKay) January 15, 2018
There are always safety concerns when rushing the court. Students & Fans, please be cautious. It is unfortunate that Wesley Harris (No. 21) of @WVUhoops chose to strike a fan in the back after he was bumped into. @Big12Conference https://t.co/ByK0HASqVZ
— Texas Tech Hoops Fans (@TTUHoopsFans) January 14, 2018
The #TexasTech student who was assaulted by @WVUhoops player Wesley Harris should file criminal charges immediately … #WreckEm
— Travis Cram (@traviscram) January 15, 2018
Not all Mountaineer fans share their view on the matter.
I was at Tech in 2012 when they beat the #5 WVU football team and rushed the field. Being on the other side of it is scary as shit. Fans have no regard and will run you over. Don’t blame Wesley Harris at all, every one is on high alert. Security should have done a better job.
— Jimmy Darmody (@D_Wegs) January 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/Spintown/status/952606160951144450
Tonight’s game against Kansas tips off at 9 p.m. EST and will televised on ESPN.
It's game day at the Coliseum. pic.twitter.com/e8MOuvNTVk
— WVU Men's Basketball (@WVUhoops) January 15, 2018