September 14th 2023.
The University of Alabama has condemned the actions of its fans following the football team’s upset loss to the University of Texas. The university released a statement via a spokesperson denouncing a viral video in which Alabama fans could be heard making racist and homophobic references to opposing players.
The University of Alabama's statement reads, “We are disgusted by reports of vile language and inappropriate behavior Saturday night. To be clear, we condemn this behavior and it will not be tolerated in our venues. It is not representative of UA or our values. We expect all attendees to act with class and respect towards others.”
Videos of the incident have been circulating online. One video of the events along the University of Texas sideline has amassed 9.4 million views on X. Among the taunts hurled at players was “Go back to the projects”, which has sparked outrage among parents of Texas Longhorn players.
Angie Wisner, the mother of Tre Wisner, one of the players visible in the videos posted online, expressed her distress on X. “The fact my son down there and they saying go back to the projects really just saddens my heart that as his mother no matter how old he had to listen to that! Love you Son! But the parents went through this all night! Beer cans thrown at us, water bottles, spit! Disgrace.”
April Finkley, another parent of a Texas player, corroborated Wisner’s take on events in her now-deleted post on X. She wrote, “This win hits different for me. I’m from AL. BHam is my City
I know T-Town like the back of my hand. Our game day experience included being harassed because our son is a “traitor” and having beer cans thrown at our section the whole game. So I stand on this energy right here!!”
Texas defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 34-24 ahead of its inaugural season in the SEC next year and has now risen to the No. 4 ranking in The Associated Press Top 25 poll. This marks the first time the University of Texas has beaten a top-five team since it defeated USC in the 2006 National Title Game in the Rose Bowl. Alabama has dropped to the tenth position, marking the first time they have been outside the top five since 2015.
The University of Alabama has expressed its disappointment and strongly condemned the abhorrent behavior of its fans. It is clear that such behavior will not be tolerated in their venues and is not reflective of their values. Parents of Texas Longhorn players have spoken out against the racism and hate that their children were subjected to and have since taken to social media to share their stories.
Texas has since risen to the 4th position in the AP Top 25 poll, while Alabama has dropped to 10th - their first time outside the top 5 since 2015. The incident has sparked an uproar from fans and has highlighted the need to ensure that all attendees act with respect and tolerance for others.
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