The president of Utah State University has apologized to BYU fans and community for the fans’ extreme behavior during the BYU vs. USU basketball game in Logan earlier this month.
During the game, signs and taunts were especially targeted at BYU center Brandon Davies.
University president Stan Albrecht said that he and athletic director S. Scott Barnes personally spoke with BYU President Cecil O. Samuelson and BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe and apologized on behalf of the USU community.
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The letter said it is inappropriate to invite a guest into the Spectrum and make him suffer the language and personal insults tossed at him.
“We take very seriously the promise we make to you when you arrive as students on campus: you will leave here having been held to high academic standards, and you will leave here having been held to high ethical standards,” the letter reads. “We hold our heads high as we tell your parents, our communities and you that Utah State University is a place that changes lives for the better.”
Albrecht said the university is working with the cheer squads, student government leaders, fans and the HURD, the student fan group, to review principles of good sportsmanship and the “Aggie” definition of good sportsmanship.
” Surely we can find ways to exhibit extraordinary — and extraordinarily loud — school spirit while at the same time being extraordinary examples of character and integrity. We pride ourselves on these principles of behavior both in and out of the classroom,” the letter continued. “This is an important issue that must be addressed quickly. Utah State University has the greatest fans in the world. Let that tradition continue.”
