Texas Tech’s decades-old tradition of fans tossing tortillas during kickoff celebrations drew harsh consequences this week, as officials enforced new conference rules and issued penalties against the team for fan misconduct.
During the Red Raiders’ 42-17 victory over Kansas, Texas Tech was flagged twice for unsportsmanlike conduct after tortillas were thrown onto the field. The first 15-yard penalty came early in the second quarter, forcing Tech to begin a drive deep in their own territory. The second occurred in the fourth quarter, at a moment when momentum could have mattered more.
Coach Joey McGuire voiced frustration after the game, acknowledging that Texas Tech and its supporters knew the updated rules but failed to heed them. “We got a new rule in this league. We know the rule, and we didn’t follow it.” He urged fans to avoid repeating the behavior, warning that such penalties might cost the team in tighter contests.
The penalties resulted from a recent vote by Big 12 athletic directors, who approved stricter measures to discourage any items being thrown onto playing surfaces. Texas Tech’s own athletic director was the lone dissenting vote in the measure. Under the new policy, repeated infractions can result in yardage penalties and discipline against the home team.
Kansas coach Lance Leipold expressed deeper concern, revealing that a knife thrown from the crowd struck a member of the Kansas staff. He called the incident “ridiculous” and warned that sooner or later someone would be seriously hurt if the practice continues unchecked.
The clash following the game between McGuire and Leipold underscored the tension. McGuire admitted he had attempted to warn fans in advance but underscored how traditions can be dangerous when they violate rules and threaten safety.
Tech will now face increased pressure in upcoming home games to rein in fan energy without losing spirit. With the new rules in place, every tortilla toss could become a liability.