Big 12 Fines Kansas, Texas Tech $25,000 Over Leipold’s “Pocketknife” Comment and Tortilla-Throwing Tradition

The Big 12 Conference handed down fines to both Kansas and Texas Tech on Wednesday following controversy surrounding comments made by Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold and the continuation of Texas Tech’s tortilla-throwing tradition during last weekend’s game in Lubbock.

Kansas was fined $25,000 for Leipold’s postgame remarks alleging that a “pocketknife” had been thrown toward his coaching staff during the 42–17 loss to the Red Raiders. The conference determined the claim to be “inaccurate and disparaging”, saying Leipold’s comments called into question the integrity and professionalism of both Texas Tech and the league itself.

In addition, Texas Tech was fined $25,000 for failing to adequately prevent fans from throwing tortillas and other objects onto the field — a long-standing tradition in Lubbock that the conference has been trying to curb for years.

Conference Responds Firmly

In a statement released Wednesday, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark emphasized that both incidents undermined the league’s core principles.

“Coach Leipold’s comments questioned the integrity and professionalism of both the Conference and a member institution,” Yormark said. “Both actions warranted a financial penalty. The Big 12 Conference prioritizes integrity and will have no further comment on the matter.”

The fines mark one of the first times in recent memory that the conference has penalized both teams involved in the same incident — highlighting the Big 12’s increasing focus on sportsmanship, safety, and image management as college football’s national profile continues to expand.

Leipold Walks Back His Remarks

Following the Big 12’s review, Leipold issued a formal apology Wednesday afternoon, acknowledging that his comments were made “in the heat of the moment.”

“I accept their findings and ultimate ruling,” Leipold said. “It was an emotional reaction after a tough loss, and I appreciate the conference’s efforts to review the situation. My intention was never to cast doubt on anyone’s integrity.”

During his postgame press conference last Saturday, Leipold had criticized the gameday environment at Texas Tech, describing fan behavior as “ridiculous” and suggesting that unsafe items — including a pocketknife — had been thrown toward the Kansas sideline.

“It’s supposed to be for safety,” he said after the game. “It’s a culture that’s been accepted to a point, and it hasn’t changed. Eventually someone is going to be seriously hurt, unfortunately.”

His remarks spread quickly online, prompting widespread discussion across social media and college football forums. By Monday, the Big 12 had already launched a formal review, gathering statements from stadium personnel, officials, and both programs.

After finding no credible evidence to support the claim that a pocketknife had been thrown, the league concluded that Leipold’s comments were “inaccurate and harmful.”

Kansas Acknowledges Mistake

Kansas Athletic Director Travis Goff supported Leipold’s apology and expressed appreciation for the conference’s handling of the situation.

“Coach Leipold commented before all of the facts had been collected,” Goff said in a statement. “We fully support his apology and the Big 12’s review process.”

The incident comes amid an otherwise strong start to Leipold’s tenure at Kansas. Now in his fourth season, he has been widely praised for reviving the program from years of mediocrity and turning the Jayhawks into a legitimate Big 12 contender.

However, Leipold has also been known for his blunt, straightforward demeanor — a trait that has occasionally sparked controversy in press conferences.

This episode, Kansas officials said, will serve as “a learning moment” for both Leipold and the program as a whole.

Texas Tech Also Fined Over Fan Behavior

While Kansas faced disciplinary action for Leipold’s comments, Texas Tech received its own penalty — also $25,000 — for failing to stop fans from throwing tortillas and other debris onto the field during Saturday’s game.

The Big 12 determined that the school “did not take sufficient steps to prevent and deter the repeated throwing of objects” in violation of conference policy.

“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,” Commissioner Yormark said.

The tortilla-throwing tradition — where fans fling tortillas onto the field during kickoff — dates back decades and has long been a quirky part of Texas Tech football culture. However, the conference has become increasingly intolerant of the practice, citing safety hazards and game delays.

During Saturday’s matchup against Kansas, the Red Raiders were penalized twice for unsportsmanlike conduct due to objects being thrown from the stands.

A Tradition Under Fire

Texas Tech officials have repeatedly urged fans to stop the practice, but enforcement has proven difficult. Head coach Joey McGuire addressed the issue again earlier this season, asking supporters to “find better ways to show school spirit.”

“We love our fans and their passion,” McGuire said after Saturday’s game. “But we can’t have objects — tortillas or anything else — being thrown onto the field. It hurts the team and the reputation of our program.”

In the offseason, Big 12 athletic directors voted 15–1 to approve new disciplinary measures targeting such behavior, giving the conference authority to fine home teams for repeated object-throwing incidents.

The crackdown reflects a broader shift in how college football conferences are approaching fan conduct, prioritizing player safety and institutional accountability over long-standing traditions that may endanger athletes or disrupt gameplay.

Despite McGuire’s public appeals and enhanced security measures, Tech fans once again ignored warnings, forcing game officials to stop play briefly as tortillas littered the field.

Wider Implications for the Big 12

The dual fines underscore the Big 12’s commitment to maintaining its reputation as a professionally managed, fan-respectful conference, particularly as it continues to expand its membership and media presence.

Under Yormark’s leadership, the league has sought to strengthen disciplinary standards, increase transparency, and elevate the conference’s image amid an increasingly competitive college football landscape.

Observers say the swift penalties against both Kansas and Texas Tech send a message: the Big 12 is serious about integrity, accountability, and fan behavior.

Sports analyst Heather Dinich noted that this kind of decisive response helps reinforce the conference’s credibility.

“You can’t have coaches making false claims or fans creating dangerous situations,” she said. “The Big 12 wants to protect its brand — and this shows it’s willing to act quickly when that’s threatened.”

Looking Ahead

With both fines issued and apologies made, the conference says it considers the matter closed.

Leipold, for his part, said he plans to move forward and refocus his team on football. Kansas (4–2) hosts Oklahoma State this weekend, while Texas Tech (3–3) travels to Baylor in a key in-state rivalry matchup.

Though the controversy may fade quickly from headlines, it has sparked renewed conversation about fan safety, sportsmanship, and the responsibilities of coaches in shaping postgame narratives.

As one Big 12 insider put it:

“This wasn’t about tortillas or pocketknives. It’s about accountability — for everyone on and off the field.”