KU, Texas Tech fined $25,000 after Saturday game

LAWRENCE (KSNT) – Kansas Athletics officials are commenting publicly Wednesday after fines were announced following an incident at a recent football game in Texas.

The Texas Tech Raiders defeated the Kansas Jayhawks in a 42-17 match on Saturday, Oct. 11 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. However, an incident at the game where objects were thrown onto the field has resulted in fines for both teams.

The Big 12 Conference announced on Oct. 15 that, following an investigation into the game, Texas Tech and KU are being fined $25,000 apiece. The fine for Texas Tech stems from “repeated instances” of items being tossed onto the field while KU’s fine comes from “disparaging comments” about the Big 12 Conference and a member institution.

The Big 12 Conference also fined KU for an “inaccurate statement” made by Head Coach Lance Leipold regarding a pocketknife.

“After a formal review, Texas Tech did not take sufficient steps to prevent and deter the repeated throwing of objects onto the field and team bench areas,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “Coach Leipold’s comments questioned the integrity and professionalism of both the Conference and a member institution. Both actions warranted a financial penalty. The Big 12 Conference prioritizes integrity and will have no further comment on the matter.”

Both Leipold and Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff issued statements responding to the fines on Oct. 15.

“I appreciate the Big 12 Conference’s thorough review of events that took place during our game last Saturday at Texas Tech,” Leipold said. “I accept their findings and ultimate ruling. I had an emotional reaction in the aftermath of the game and acknowledge that I need to be better. We are excited to move forward and finish our season strong.”

“The circumstances of Saturday night were unfortunate, and we take ownership of our emotionally charged response,” Goff said. “Further, Coach Leipold should not have addressed the matter publicly. This should have been handled privately with the conference and Texas Tech and not in the heat of the moment when we did not have all the facts. ”

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