Utah athletic director fined and police investigate alleged incident after BYU rivalry game

[@legitspartan9102]

Why is everyone more focused on the ADs comments than the literal assault and Battery, probably from a man, on a young borderline teenage girl leading the cheer squad. That’s far beyond anything the coach or AD did. That is criminal behavior that needs to be prosecuted. You can’t just assault young girls because you’re mad about losing.

[@moonbuni59]

@@legitspartan9102 looks like they might have found the culprit. Names haven’t been named but there was a comment made by the girl who was hit.

[@olorin1710]

Usual suspects

[@Cherokee7188]

Utards....enough said..

[@JoshuaLauritzen]

I don't think a college woman is a teenager🤣

[@emilybeaty27]

@@JoshuaLauritzen He said boarderline teenager, because being 21, 22, or whatever, is not that much older than being a teenager

[@karrinleecasper-bryan1685]

I saw Utah fans throwing garbage at the officials as they walk off towards the locker rooms. Classless and dangerous

[@mrp4242]

You do realize BYU fans did this after the 2013 game? KSL even did a video on it. It is classless, but I’m guessing you think BYU fans were “justified” in 2013? Because, so much easier to notice other people’s sins.

[@michaelabbott8674]

Nope. It was wrong when BYU fans did it, and it’s wrong for Utah fans to do it.

[@rodneyficklin9281]

@@mrp4242 your not condoning this behavior I hope

[@olorin1710]

It's just their culture....

[@jonsmith9730]

Good for you Utah, you ain't punks

[@Rastebb]

"We interviewed some students, "ya i didnt see anything"" great reporting there..

[@cheezbag]

😂😂😂😂

[@robert7754]

@@Rastebb just like the students, the refs didn't see anything either 🤷😀

[@-The-Stranger-]

They didn't score for 3 quarters of the game. Can't feel robbed over a few calls when your offense can't move the ball 3/4 of the game time.

[@Wdbut]

U of U leadership should be embarrassed. It's just a game.

[@AliAwadaistheGoat]

Agreed

[@megapode2648]

utes fans are some of the worst fans in the nation

[@colbypark1311]

He should be disgusted with his own professionalism. What a joke of an AD… Grow up, you’re supposed to set the tone and mood for the players and staff.

[@davenichols4352]

Utah's AD led the charge ......for this ugly behavior.

[@timwalker6802]

Sitting here with Mark Harlan at a truckstop north of Salt Lake. Encourage everyone to come by. It’s two fers for chili hotdogs.

[@byuftbl]

And ZERO percent of BYU fans are surprised that an Utah fan threw a water bottle at someone. We’ve been saying for years how horrible their fans can behave, and they prove it time and time again. And yeah I know some of you going to bring up “but what about that byu fan who attacked an Utah male cheerleader?” Yes fans on both sides can behave poorly, but BYU fans aren’t typically throwing stuff at people that can hurt them, or yelling “f*** you Utah” at the games (or chanting it). From what I’ve seen the vitriol from Utah fans is way worse. And yes, I am that person who absolutely will call out my fellow BYU fans for poor behavior…and did so last week when two of our fans laughed and clapped that an opponent got hurt. It was low class and uncool. BYU fans indeed can be uncool, but generally don’t have that outright mean edge.

[@mrp4242]

You must not realize BYU fans did this exact thing after the 2013 game. Google “hypocrisy” and “naive”…

[@rodneyficklin9281]

@@mrp4242 Who cares which team has more bad behaviors than the other. Bad behavior is bad behavior. Throwing water bottles at innocent young women and knocking them unconscious 99.9% of people consider this bad behavior, that’s why the police are looking into it and will carry consequences. We can enjoy sports and still be responsible adults, it’s not that hard.

[@seangriffiths1761]

What an embarrassment for the Ute football team, athletic department and university. Classless behavior.

[@olorin1710]

Always them folks

[@scottpeckleball9537]

To quote the great Max Hall, “Classless.”

[@85portland]

To the Ute fans in section 22. You are as classy as they come. As a BYU fan you made me feel welcome and you supported your team honorably. Thank you!

[@MrShooter713]

I hope the cheerleading coach presses charges for assault.

[@danehowe4286]

I don’t think I’ve ever been flipped off or sworn at more in my life than at that game. Stay classy Utah. You made that win a lot more fun that way. Go cougs!

[@flatpat2988]

@@danehowe4286 they probably just returned from a mission on top of that

[@110everyday6]

The Utah athletic director had two major upsets this week, the first was to Trump, and now to BYU.

[@mikepalmer1971]

I figured the Mormons backed trump.

[@gofasters1]

@@110everyday6 😂

[@chaschas3199]

The Utah A.D. was wayyyy out of line. If he thinks so little of the Big 12 then get out! The conference doesn't want crybabys.

[@toddcunningham3213]

After watching their juggernaut of a football team for the past two seasons, a better fit would've been to rejoin the Mountain West, or maybe join the AAC. I'm sure the Sun Belt would happily take them.

[@cashdollarbill]

To be fair, Utah did get forced into the Big 12 due to realignment. Not sure what other options were available!

[@pamparker4047]

Totally unacceptable behavior 😠

[@BruceWayne-n7k]

Also, Harlan was on the field yelling at the ref early during the final kick return, hence the unsportsmanlike conduct flag at the end, and had Utah returned it for a TD, it would’ve been called back all because of his tantrum.

[@rodneyficklin9281]

True, and that could have happened. That was pretty crazy return, anything could have happened.

[@BobRobitaille]

Hey Utes! Leave the Big 12 already. You are no longer wanted.

[@cedricwilford]

U of U keeping it classy as always.

[@aerafine]

Harlan has always had a real superiority complex and thinks he's untouchable... everyone who works under him knows to kiss up to him, stay out of his way, or face his wrath. It's good that he was fined. Bad behavior is unacceptable from leadership.

[@jayscott1380]

Embarrassing. They should fire that guy.

[@chuckhickey9721]

Holding call was obvious and correct! He should be fired!

[@scottstewart8737]

@@chuckhickey9721 uh oh, here comes the cancel culture

[@bigsnacksjenkins]

Classless school, classless team. Crybaby Harlan and temper tantrum Whittingham need a timeout

[@cashdollarbill]

From a Utah State fan... shut up and pay your tithing brother 😭

[@bigsnacksjenkins]

@ Utah st 😂😂😂😂 go back to the dumpster where you belong trash

[@AB-mx1de]

@@cashdollarbilltakes one to know one, Utah State is also classless

[@olorin1710]

Need more diversity there for sure

[@j.r.6043]

Usual U suspects

[@ConnorRangatira]

Normal U of U behavior. That’s why they’re 4-5, they cannot control themselves and it was obvious with penalties and a lot of dirty plays weren’t called. BYU is 9-0.

[@l1v1dsow26]

@@ConnorRangatira I don’t think they are 4-5 because they can’t control themselves. They are 4-5 because they can’t score.

[@cryptogenic141]

@@l1v1dsow26the fact he called out their flaw and you didn’t even acknowledge it proves to me the disgusting pride and arrogance U of U fans have.

[@FuriousGerbil5]

@@cryptogenic141 byu fans aren’t innocent. Y you always gotta play victim ? Democrat behavior

[@M1ster.Fr3sh]

A quintessential comment from a square, vanilla, spineless, NPC Mormon. Congrats on being an insufferable groupie who appeals to perceived popularity. You belong to a cult and you hurt society, and humanity. Stop supporting a criminal organization (LDS church) that got caught by the SEC hiding over $30B in Ensign Peak Advisors' 12 shell companies. You people make me sick with how arrogant and sanctimonious you act. I hope I see you around Provo, Connor. I'll give you piece of my mind and let you know how big of a coward you truly are.

[@M1ster.Fr3sh]

You're a coward, Connor. As is everyone at BYU. Keep acting smug and sanctimonious, we'll keep watching the SEC fine your criminal, cult faith that funds that disgusting school.

[@michaelreece2966]

Not sure how they feel robbed. Utah didn’t score in the second half. They played the second half much different than the first half.

[@karrinleecasper-bryan1685]

BYU figured out how to hold them after the half

[@Trouttiger]

Cry baby cry bye bye utah😭😭😭

[@CharlesDoidge-h6i]

Utah are sore . They need to mature, but I mean look at the coach. Also Utah player flashed/mooned the refs at the end. So disgusting. Im gonna go to Utah holding a BYU sign with the score

[@bobgracia3318]

I'm a Ute fan BYU out played Utah and deserved to win Go Cougs !!

[@KTPurdy]

AD should look at the film before spouting off.

[@shawnhuff3920]

Why can't it be a game everyone enjoys watching and just talking about after .. to many people who do stupid things 😊

[@TenthScissors70]

No one has ever accused football fans of being among the more emotionally intelligent fanbases. Mix that with alcohol and you got a stew brewing.

[@rockharvey5787]

I’d love to see that AD sued for defamation over those comments

[@Kp08og]

Being mad at a loss when your team is already 1-4 (now 1-5) in conference is wild.

[@uakea6679]

Why is Utah blaming the holding call at the end?? UTAH didn't score 1 point in the 2nd half. Also after the holding call BYU still had to drive all the way down the field. Its not like it was 4th and goal with 1 second left? Both teams played a good game. Give BYU some credit for the win.

[@agentbb007]

Wow professionalism Mark Harlan? Look in the mirror and perhaps even seek professional help because you've got issues.

[@juancatfish1]

The battle of Utah was interesting. Stormin Mormons win. Utes shouldn't hold

[@herlysarmiento9863]

This was NOT holy war, it was bully(U of U) vs holy(BYU). Total Mob menthality by U of U. The fans were too loud pushing their players to play well but dirty. From the top U leadership did not led by example pushing even more the confrontations and total disrespect to officials. It is the U fifth consecutive loss, but at least they didnt lost their respect to the other team in other games. Fines and repercussion have to happen in order to correct this detrimental behavior.

[@michaelmartin3123]

Remind me what Max Hall famously once said.

[@JediMasterHilljr]

@@michaelmartin3123 Yes - Max Hall did go off about his true feelings for Utah…..after his family being harassed and beer thrown on them. Cam Rising also said some sweet things about BYU. Neither are right or show any class.

[@donquijote6030]

The Yewts showing their mettle and their class. Well done!

[@matthewpitts3212]

My wife went to Utah and it's not surprising the behavior demonstrated. Ute Fans will always be classless.

[@FuriousGerbil5]

So u r saying ur wife is also a crud person? U make yourself look soft

[@cashdollarbill]

Sure bro diss your wife 😭😭

[@TannerLey]

So you think Presidents Nelson, Monson, and Hinckley are classes? Got it.

[@Soccerfan03]

The way the athletic Director behaved was disgusting. I do not really watch football, but I know bad behavior when I see it. You can be upset with the officiating, but to express it like that it’s just wrong. I think the way he handled it was just not OK and how some of the fans were throwing things at referees and Just doing all this bad stuff it’s just unacceptable.

[@MamacitaBonita]

If the Utes can’t behave themselves then maybe it’s time to give the fans a game suspension.

[@TheIronweed-vx5lg]

What an embarrassment for the U!

[@varrick1226]

Big 12 should kick Utah out they add nothing to the league

[@cashdollarbill]

They're a big market and historically a great team, especially the last 15ish years. Just cause they're bad right now doesn't mean you kick them from the concert lol

[@MichaelSmith-vg3uy]

Classy! What a disgrace for the team, the program, the University and the fan base.

[@timothy4545]

Fans must understand their behavior will usually result in fines for their university. Go ask Texas fans if you do not believe me. Number two- Utah's athletic director knows what happens when you criticize officials on the football field, and he paid a significant fine for that. Now, both sides are to blame for the trash talk but a cheerleading coach at BYU gets knocked out with a water bottle, very classy Utah fans, if I was the Big 12 Conference, I would have find The University of Utah at least $100,000 for that action and the owner of those seats should have them revoked. And read the comment and look at the situation carefully before you make a stupid comment, watch everything that was going on.

[@tannerhillier8003]

Utah fans are always so classy.

[@dudeaciousmonstrosity7650]

Athletic or team leadership behavior trickles down to the players. He needs to go.

[@jpkimoana9556]

Utah sucks… get over it and plan for the next week.. losers..

[@j.greggnewman5496]

Harlan if you don't like big 12 go back to pac12?????? Or Pac 2!!!!

[@freedomconcatenations8411]

Utes throwing projectiles to harm opponents-perfectly on-brand from Harlan leadership.

[@basedspacetemplar]

Total trash behavior

[@moonbuni59]

Truly I was glad that BYU and Utah were in different groups so we wouldn’t have these issues, but then Utah followed BYU to the Big 12. The Ute fans have already made a bad impression on other teams in the league about their behavior at games, so this doesn’t surprise me at all. The problem seems to be coming from the top down in this instance though. It was not just the comments afterward but the yelling at the official on the field. It just saddens me when adults can’t be a good example for their student body. Both the AD and the coach lost their temper. On review the call was upheld so the official was correct in their call. A formal apology needs to be made.

[@scottstewart8737]

Utah doesn’t follow BYU what are you talking about?

[@moonbuni59]

@ BYU was in the Big 12 last year. A year before the Utes decided to join this year.

[@Samson-cb1kx]

Utes need to prepare for another loss against the BUFFS

[@kristianvandehei8757]

Whether I agree with the fine for the AD or not is beside the point. In any sport you will get fined for calling out officials like he did, why should he be the exemption?

[@derekpratte7259]

I’m a BYU fan that has supported Utah (whenever they weren’t playing BYU) but this makes it much harder to support them in the future. Utah has a great coach and football team. They will come back. We’ve lost to you guys more than I want to remember. Get over your hatred, Utah.

[@jamescarter8421]

This is our modern day gladiator sport. Of course people are going to get upset..

[@best1213best]

Sadly so true... :(

[@sageparra4956]

You should be “disgusted” by the way your fans reacted.

[@paulready8897]

The police needs to investigate the refs

[@runDATrun6]

Should be pretty easy to find who it was.

[@roberttrout3588]

Nothing about the face mask call that wasn’t and helped the Utes score? I say it evened out just like it usually does in sports. Sportsmanship is what is important

[@Tonehawkdawg]

It's time to stop selling water at football games.

[@A1FAHx]

I know, it has become too dangerous of a product. Sink wanter is plentiful! 🤣😂

[@vailevi7869]

Sometimes I react the same way but then I realised Satan just got the best of me. Don't let your guard down , evil is all around us.

[@DustinMikkelsen]

The NCAA needs to crack down, make it a 15 yard penalty - per item - on the team who's fans throw things on the field, or they support this.

[@Chesterfierce]

There’s a thing called “tone at the top.” If leadership is behaving badly, it feels like permission for everyone else to behave badly.

[@kristenfenn4185]

So sad 😞

[@j.r.6043]

You win a lot then you lose one after more than a decade and you throw this fit haha. Like they say your only as good as your last game 😂😂😂

[@Hgwells159]

Maybe the concessions at the U should sell Waahburgers with French cries.

[@jamielancaster01]

The AD should be fired!

[@jplee2785]

I’m a USC fan and the refs were on a payroll when they came to Utah. It’s good to see karma work full circle. Good news is your 30 year old quarterback is coming back for his 10th season. 😂

[@ParkerRivera-r5q]

Yes My mom knows the cheer coach that got knocked unconscious she was in rough shape with a bad concussion

[@annadavis2547]

There were iffy calls on both sides. Some became obvious on replay. Fans in the stands do not have this benefit. And the refs don’t always refer to this either. They call what they see. The refs do their best to be fair and impartial. It is a difficult job in a calm game. The emotions exhibited in this game increase the difficulty. Then they have added pressure to keep the game in control. These refs did not deserve this kind of abuse. Good call on the fine imposed. Poor sportsmanship should not be accepted behavior on either side.

[@j.mccarthy3008]

Great example for the kids. 🤦‍♂️ If life doesn’t go your way get mad and blame others… don’t forget to throw stuff. Luckily he didn’t have a ketchup bottle.

[@mygtispeeds]

Utes being utes

[@Brad88ford]

This is not surprising in the state of Utah! The true colors come out all the time!

[@sharpasacueball]

"I don't think he should have been fined." Yeah because B1G would have let this type of behavior slide 😂

[@bradkman]

I’ve felt for years that this rivalry game should end. It creates unnecessary division and contention within our state, which I believe only causes harm. There's no real need for BYU and the Utes to play each other every year-or even at all, in my opinion. Our Prophet has counseled against contention, and I feel BYU should take that to heart and step back from this rivalry. I have no issue with the Utes; it’s the negative feelings on both sides after a loss that I dislike. As a long-time BYU fan, I’ve never watched them play against each other because of how it makes me feel. Maybe I’m just overly sensitive, but that’s my perspective. Wishing both schools the best moving forward! 🙏✌

[@professorpauls7362]

Nobody cares about your clown opinion, SNOWFLAKE !🤡

[@moonbuni59]

I was glad when we were not in the same group any,ore so we didn’t have to play Utah, but they followed BYU to the Big 12 this year. I didn’t like the games either as the Ute fans were very rude many times. One time they rushed the field before the game was over and the refs didn’t penalize them or make them go back to the stands while BYU tried to kick a field goal. It was a mess.

[@henrygalusha1388]

It's good to have these games, fans and team's should pull their heads out of each other's butt's and just play the game, only stupid people act immature like they did, and you can't fix stupid

[@mrp4242]

@@moonbuni59 You are mis-remembering that game. Utah was penalized, BYU got another chance to kick the FG, and doinked the attempt of the upright.

[@moonbuni59]

@ they didn’t remove the fans from the field just moved them to the sideline though. The officials should have stopped the game until every fan left the sidelines.

[@mr.wilson8340]

Don’t apologize Mark!

[@JediMasterHilljr]

He didn’t. Read his statement after he was fined. No contrition or remorse. He completely feels justified in what he did and said. He still feels like he’s right. I hope he’s fired.

[@kumasi5991]

Mormon On Mormon hate has to stop

[@akihong3689]

Yep. . stay classy Salt Lake City! smh. . 👊

[@uncletaylorify]

I'm fine with criticism on the refs....but throwing stuff on the field just shows classless fans. We got them here in the SEC.....Texas and LSU

[@TheViking1980]

I am disgusted by Mark Harlan and Whittingham

[@DB-uv2df]

Haters gonna hate! Lost respect for utes. Blame everyone else but themselves.

[@patrickrubalcaba5179]

You’re playing at a rivals stadium. You should expect the unexpected. That’s on you for not being aware of the high tempers and energy.

[@akimoana5657]

Crybaby

[@dmdunn]

Utes fan here. BYU definitely outclassed us on this game from the top down. We can definitely do better. I'm embarrassed by the Utah Athetics Director. Definitely better ways to express your grievance. There were some bad calls on both sides of the ball. Well never know if there's collusion. That would be terrible. As gutting as that was, BYU is the better team this year.

[@chadyoung5716]

What the heck just what ever just let it go.

[@mrich9654]

grow up players and fans

[@twotwentyswift]

The players actually acted like adults, it was Whittingham and Harlan and the fans that acted like tantrum throwing 2-year-olds. Bernard was classy when he was interviewed. Much respect to him.

[@bryang9601]

Everybody involved with the university of Utah is classless😢

[@halodisciple8459]

A lot of Utah fans not only hate BYU, but the entire LDS religion

[@juandiegosapotec]

But God still loves his Cougars!

[@ninahallstrom4151]

It isn't right to assume that all Ute fans are atheists or that all BYU fans are saints. There is a mix at both schools.

[@Bryowskiii]

I’m not sure how religion fits into this here. But next time think before you speak. Multiple prophets and apostles attended the U and are fans. I don’t think they hate their own faith… Also It’s a sport, last I checked. God doesn’t care about football let alone any sport. Only individuals. I don’t particularly like the school of Brigham young, I especially don’t care for the fan base. But I enjoy their sports.

[@halodisciple8459]

@@ninahallstrom4151 Yea i know not all Utah fans hate the church. My brother went to the U. I went to BYU. I grew up in Utah. I lived by the U campus for a time. Went to HS in Orem. The hatred many if them have for BYU comes out of a hatred for the church. I know what I'm talking about because I have seen it and experienced it.

[@halodisciple8459]

@@Bryowskiii Grew up there. I know what I'm talking about cause I've seen it. Yes, many Utah fans are LDS and obviously don't hate the church. But there a percentage of Utah fans that aren't members, or left the church amd hate it. I've seen it.

[@dougmorris5625]

Classy bunch! NOT!!!

[@alanders3339]

This is the reality. The Utah Utes FOOTBALL team was robbed BY THE "OFFICIALS!" FYI I am an Oregon Ducks Fan! No one can actually take an Objective look at the Bogus call will agree with the NCAA Official call on this game. The real question is WHY?

[@charlesdowell4505]

College football and there fans are out of control.

[@Slimpickinsorl]

There will be a HC job available at LSU next year. It’ll be the perfect conference for which to blame everyone else from

[@JakeStewart1343]

The word "DISGUSTED" warranted a $40,000 fine??? Why wasn't Whittingham fined? He complained to a reff after the game and at the post conference interview. He even threw a chair.

[@billcook4768]

Utah hasn’t seen such rule breaking since a group of high school kids got ahold of Mountain Dew and… drank it 😵

[@davidbetzer8003]

The game was played in Salt Lake on University Utah campus. The riffs were probably Ute fans so I don’t know what your problem is and then you go and have one of your fans. Throw an throw something at cheerleading coach to knock her out that’s a Salt battery and that’s on Utah Utes

[@quietobserver4636]

Soccer hooligans showed up😂😂😂

[@go4it129]

How do you get knocked out by a water bottle?

[@ronniefuller2334]

This has to stop!