AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University President Dr. Wendy Wintersteen announced today the Big 12 Conference has denied the appeal of the fine levied against Iowa State arising from the post-game celebration following the Cyclones’ football victory over West Virginia.
“Our institution takes the safety and welfare of all student-athletes, officials, and fans very seriously and we will continue to review and refine our safety protocols based upon our actual experiences,” Winstersteen said.
———————————————————————————————————–
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University President Dr. Wendy Wintersteen announced today Iowa State University will appeal the Big 12 Conference’s decision to fine Iowa State University $25,000 for purportedly not following its pre-established post-game celebration policies Saturday night.
Iowa State beat previously undefeated and sixth-ranked West Virginia University 30-14 on Saturday night. Following the victory the Iowa State fans rushed the field.
The Big 12 Conference notified Iowa State on Sunday that the conference office was reviewing whether Iowa State followed its pre-established policies for dealing with situations in which fans rush the field.
Iowa State responded to the Big 12 Conference office on Monday morning that it had reviewed the actions that were taken by law enforcement officers and security staff including reviewing videos provided by the Big 12 Conference, body cameras carried by law enforcement personnel, and video captured by other members of our staff, and concluded that law enforcement officers and event staff had not only followed all post-game celebration policies, as submitted to, and approved by, the Big 12 Conference on August 31, 2018, they had also taken several additional measures to help make the situation safer.
The Big 12 Conference notified Iowa State on Monday afternoon that Commissioner Bob Bowlsby had determined Iowa State University law enforcement officers did not take the appropriate precautions to create a safe environment for the visiting team and as a result he had made the decision to publicly reprimand and fine Iowa State University $25,000.
Dr. Wintersteen states that their institution takes the safety and welfare of all student-athletes, officials, and fans very seriously. They have reviewed all of our procedures, including several videos of the post-game celebration, and we do not agree with Commissioner Bowlsby’s assessment of the events that evening. Chief [Michael] Newton, of the Iowa State University Police Department, and the CSC staff had a very thorough and specific plan. Those plans were discussed and implemented prior to the game and were evaluated and adjusted during the game to ensure the safest atmosphere for every one attending the game, including the West Virginia players and staff.
Iowa State Athletics Director Jamie Pollard supports Dr. Wintersteen’s decision.
According to Pollard, local law enforcement officers and the CSC security staff did an outstanding job keeping all the student-athletes, game officials and fans safe during the postgame celebration on Saturday. Pollard has personally watched the video multiple times and is confident the officers and security staff followed the procedures we had previously submitted to the Big 12 Conference office. It is also important to note the protocol and practice used Saturday night by law enforcement officers was nearly identical to the protocols used last year during the field rush following ISU’s win over TCU. The Conference had no issue with ISU’s protocol or practice at that time and the results were the same as Saturday night. The visiting team was safely escorted from the field in less than 90 seconds in both situations.”
West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen called the storming of the field after the Mountaineers lost at Iowa State unprofessional.
Holgorsen says none of the West Virginia players were injured but the crowd on the field prevented him from getting to Cyclone coach Matt Campbell after the game.
Iowa State coach Matt Campbell says his first priority at the end of the game was helping the West Virginia players get off the field.
Per Big 12 policies, all appeals must be submitted to the Conference Office by the President of the University. The appeal will be heard by the Big 12’s Board of Directors.
