To Commissioner Brett Yormark and the Big 12 Conference Board of Directors,

We, the undersigned Texas Tech University fans, alumni, students, and supporters, respectfully urge the Big 12 Conference to reconsider its recent decision to penalize and fine Texas Tech University for the long-standing tortilla-toss tradition at Red Raider football games.

For over three decades, the flying tortillas of Jones AT&T Stadium have been a symbol of joy, unity, and school pride — a uniquely Texan tradition that welcomes every kickoff with laughter and celebration. No hostility. No danger. Just tortillas.

This is not reckless behavior. It’s not bottles, batteries, or beer cans. It’s flour tortillas — soft, biodegradable, and harmless.

Background

Earlier this year, the Big 12 Conference implemented a new rule penalizing any object thrown onto the field — a rule meant to ensure safety and sportsmanship. However, since this policy’s enforcement, Texas Tech has been fined $25,000, threatened with a $100,000 fine, and assessed in-game penalties for the same harmless tortillas that have been tossed for more than thirty years without injury or incident.

Even Texas Tech’s own Athletic Director, Kirby Hocutt, who initially defended the tradition, has now had to announce that the university will “no longer encourage nor permit” tortilla throwing under the pressure of the Big 12’s new fine structure.

The result is clear: a beloved, time-honored tradition — one that defines the spirit of Texas Tech — is being erased, not for safety, but because of an overly broad rule that treats tortillas the same as dangerous objects.

Why This Matters

The tortilla toss has never caused harm in its 30-plus-year history. It is done in celebration, not anger.

It lasts only seconds and has always been swiftly cleaned up by event staff.

It is a hallmark of college football culture, comparable to other accepted traditions — such as hats on the ice in hockey or paper streamers in soccer — which conferences have managed safely without banning.

To our knowledge, there have been no serious incidents anywhere in the Big 12 related to fan-thrown objects except this one harmless display of school spirit.

Our Request

We respectfully ask the Big 12 Conference to:

1. Re-evaluate the current “object-throwing” policy as it applies to Texas Tech’s tortilla toss.

2.  Allow a controlled exception for the tortilla toss — for example, permitting it before kickoff only, or within defined areas, ensuring no disruption to play or safety concerns.

3. Collaborate with Texas Tech leadership and fans to preserve this harmless tradition responsibly, rather than punish the university with disproportionate fines and penalties.

We understand and support the Conference’s duty to maintain safety and sportsmanship. But treating tortillas — light, soft, and celebratory — as dangerous projectiles undermines the very spirit of college football: community, fun, and pride in one’s school.

A Harmless Tradition Deserves a Fair Exception

The tortilla toss is not a threat. It is a symbol of Red Raider identity, of family, laughter, and unity in West Texas.

For decades, this simple, joyful act has connected generations of fans — grandparents, parents, and students alike. To end it now is to erase a piece of what makes Texas Tech special.

We ask you, Commissioner Yormark and the Big 12 Board, to stand with us in protecting tradition while promoting safety — to carve out an exception that honors both principles.

Let the tortillas fly — safely, proudly, and in the true spirit of college football.

Respectfully submitted,

Texas Tech University fans, alumni, students, and supporters across the nation.