Texas Bans Fan After Obscene Gesture at Florida Players

The University of Texas has permanently banned a fan from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium after the individual made an obscene gesture toward Florida players following the Longhorns' 27-24 loss to the Gators. Athletic director Chris Del Conte announced the decision after a video of the incident circulated on social media, citing the university's standards for sportsmanship and respect.

The incident occurred immediately after the game, when the fan, dressed in Texas attire, approached Florida's sideline while holding up a cellphone. The individual made offensive gestures toward the Gators players and recorded their reactions while walking away, according to the account of the incident.

Several Florida staff members told the fan to leave the area, and at least one Florida player had to be restrained to prevent a confrontation. Del Conte confirmed that the individual would no longer be permitted to enter Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

In a statement addressing the video, Del Conte condemned the conduct and apologized to Florida's athletic program.

"I want to address the video circulating on social media showing unacceptable behavior by an individual who had the privilege of field access following Saturday's game," said Chris Del Conte, athletic director at the University of Texas. "We pride ourselves on sportsmanship and treating our opponents with respect. This individual's actions did not reflect those values or meet our standards and will not be tolerated. The matter has been addressed internally, and I want to personally apologize to the University of Florida and its entire football program.

"Having access to our field comes with a responsibility to represent Texas with class and respect. This individual failed to uphold that responsibility and has been permanently banned from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium."

Del Conte also provided information about the fan's background in comments to the Houston Chronicle. He said the student was a local resident who attended another college in Florida.

The athletic director said he did not know who had authorized the student's field pass. The university's permanent stadium ban followed its internal handling of the incident, according to Del Conte's statement.