Big 12 Announces Punishment For Postgame Altercation

Big 12 Announces Punishment For Postgame Altercation

Mountaineers fans can let out a sight of relief. After the unfortunate incident involving Wesley Harris and Texas Tech fans, the Big 12 announces their punishment on the matter.

The conference issued a public reprimand of West Virginia sophomore forward Wesley Harris and Texas Tech University, along with a $25,000 fine for Texas Tech University.

Per Big12sports.com:

The Big 12 Conference announces a public reprimand of West Virginia University student-athlete Wesley Harris for striking a court-storming fan following the conclusion of Saturday’s WVU at Texas Tech men’s basketball game. His action is in violation of the Big 12 Conference’s Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct rules.

“We must ensure that a safe environment is provided for players, coaches, game officials and fans,” said Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby. “Although the post-game environment did not live up to our expectations, Mr. Harris intentionally striking a fan is contrary to the Conference’s Sportsmanship standards.”

The Big 12 released another public reprimand of Texas Tech University:

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.”

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.

Not all Mountaineer fans share their view on the matter.

https://twitter.com/Spintown/status/952606160951144450

Tonight’s game against Kansas tips off at 9 p.m. EST and will televised on ESPN.

Share: