The Big 12 announced fines for both Texas Tech and Kansas following the Red Raiders’ victory of 42-17 against the Jayhawks in Week 7. Texas Tech faced penalties for “repeated instances of objects being thrown onto the playing surface,” whereas Kansas incurred charges after Coach Lance Leipold criticized both Texas Tech and the Big 12 for their response to the tortilla-throwing tradition.

“In a formal review, it was determined that Texas Tech did not take adequate steps to prevent further object throwing onto the field,” stated Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “Leipold’s remarks questioned the integrity and professionalism of the Conference and a member institution. Both behaviors necessitated a financial penalty.”

Texas Tech incurred two 15-yard personal foul penalties as fans threw tortillas on the field after kickoffs during the game. This tradition has been part of the Texas Tech game-day experience for decades.

However, the issue escalated this offseason when Big 12 athletic directors voted overwhelmingly to enforce a stricter policy against foreign objects being thrown onto the field. Following the game, Texas Tech Coach Joey McGuire and Leipold had a heated exchange on the field.

Leipold voiced concerns post-game about how the tortilla incidents were managed by Big 12 officials, stating, “One of the officials almost got hit and struggled to issue a flag, which was subsequently picked up, leading to disappointment. We had a policy that wasn’t executed, which was frustrating.”

He added that a pocketknife was allegedly thrown from the crowd, hitting one of his staff members. However, the Big 12 labeled this an “inaccurate statement.”