Utah athletic director fined; Police investigate alleged incident after BYU rivalry game

SALT LAKE CITY — After a major rivalry game between BYU and the University of Utah on Saturday night, university police are investigating possible bad behavior by fans following an alleged courtside incident.

Meanwhile, the Utes fan base, coaches and team expressed frustration with some of the Big 12 officiating team’s calls, which ultimately led to a public reprimand and fine against Utah athletic director Mark Harlan.

In a post that responded to you, you said the fan was sitting in the South End Zone table seats. She urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

This is what happened to the BYU cheer coach. If you saw anything or have a video please let me know. pic.twitter.com/YRXzmY4CPM

— Stevi Ginolfi (@stevikayg) November 10, 2024

The University of Utah told KSL TV Sunday evening that “the case remains under investigation.” University police are working to identify a suspect in the incident.”

KSL TV was unable to reach Allan for comment.

The investigation and questions about sportsmanship and professionalism after the game come after the two universities partnered with an initiative called Rival Right.

Utah students who spoke to KSL TV on Sunday said they were unaware of the incident.

“I was too far up to see it,” sophomore Jake Newhart said. He said he didn’t think anyone actually obeyed the rival right.

Utah sophomore Delaney Gallagher said the energy in the student section is high.

“I think we could have kept our composure a little better in The Muss, but that’s what happens sometimes when you take a tough loss like that,” she said. “I think it may have gotten a little out of control in the end, with all the trash throwing.”

She said she also did not see Harlan confront an official on the field. The frustration of the stunned Utes fans in the stands was reflected in a postgame press conference.

“I am disgusted by the professionalism of the refereeing team tonight,” Harlan told the media after the game.

He said the game was stolen from Utah.

In addition to the public reprimand, the Big 12 Conference fined Harlan $40,000 on Sunday.

“Mark’s comments irresponsibly questioned the professionalism of our officials and the integrity of the Big 12 Conference,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “There is a right way and a wrong way to raise concerns. Unfortunately, Mark chose the wrong path. Accordingly, this violation is justified by a public reprimand and a fine. The Big 12 Conference values ​​professionalism, integrity and fairness and will continue to do so.”

BYU and the University of Utah are teaming up to encourage fans to “rival right” before the big game

Harlan wrote in a response that he recognized there were more appropriate times to address these concerns.

“Last night after our game against BYU, I made my feelings clear regarding the officiating of the game. However, I recognize that there are more appropriate times and opportunities to express these concerns and I accept the consequences of my decision. My comments came after we had just left our team locker room where our student-athletes were hurting and upset. The University of Utah is proud to be a member of the Big 12 Conference and we look forward to working with our colleagues to continue to improve the league. BYU, Coach Sitake and their coaches and student-athletes are having a great season and we wish them all the best.”

“It’s disappointing, three fourth losses,” Newhart said. “I really thought we did it. And then we just didn’t do it and felt robbed.”

These students felt that the jeers and cheers went both ways.

“They’re going to have fun on both sides,” Gallagher said. “To have a name for the game and the rivalry like ‘Holy War’ – it just shows that there will be passion. And I think the passion is fun.”

She and Newhart said they understood where their school’s leadership was coming from.

“I think the athletic director was right when he expressed his sadness,” Newhart said, “and I don’t think he should have imposed a fine.”

Contributor: Mary Culbertson, KSL TV