Joey McGuire and the Red Raiders took 2 Ls over the weekend. After winning their first 6 games with at least a 23-point margin in each, Joey McGuire’s squad rolled into Tempe expecting another high-margin win. But Kenny Dillingham and his Sun Devils said, “Not today,” and handed the Red Raiders their first L of the season. Just when the Red Raiders thought their week couldn’t get any harder, Texas Tech’s authorities put their 35-year-old tradition to sleep after a rebellious act came to light from Week 7 against the Kansas Jayhawks.

So, it all started on October 11th, After Texas Tech’s dominant 42-17 dub over Kansas, tensions flared between Kansas coach Lance Leipold and Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire. Leipold was upset about fans throwing objects from the stands and confronted McGuire after the game. In a video from the exchange, McGuire is heard saying, “Coach, I can’t do anything about it. You want me to do something [expletive] about it?” Leipold later told reporters that a fan had thrown a pocketknife that hit a Kansas staff member, calling the situation “ridiculous” and saying, “It’s supposed to be for safety and things like that … eventually, somebody’s going to be seriously hurt.”

However, Texas Tech reviewed the incident and said the knife claim was not true. Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt said the school checked all available video and spoke to people who were nearby when the incident happened. The footage Texas Tech sent to the Big 12 shows a Kansas player picking up a closed pocketknife from the field near the 38-yard line and handing it to a staff member. The video raised questions about whether the knife was actually dropped by someone on the Kansas sideline, rather than thrown from the stands. Just like that, Texas Tech put an end to its 35-year-old Tortilla throwing tradition.

The Red Raiders’ Vice Chairman of Board of Regent Dustin Womble hopped onto X and following a knife incident came to light: “I am aware that Tech faithful fans like to identify as a rebellious lot, and as such, I know there are those among us who will want to push back on today’s “No Tortillas,” edict…This program is about so much more than the tossing of tortillas in the air. It is about winning the Big XII, and it is about building a program of lasting, national significance.” And explained that the rule isn’t about weak leadership, but about keeping everyone safe and showing good sportsmanship. He ended by reminding fans that Texas Tech’s pride comes from the red and black, not a tortilla. And yes, obviously, ended his tweet with ‘Wreck ’em’.

The ban was first announced by Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt on Monday that the university will no longer support or promote fans throwing tortillas during the opening kickoff at football games. The Big 12 Conference warned schools that if objects are thrown on the field, they would first get a warning, but a second incident would lead to a $100,000 fine. Texas Tech was already fined $25,000 after fans threw items on the field during the Oct. 11 game against Kansas. Hocutt said, “Simply put, we cannot risk letting our actions penalize our football team. The stakes are too high.”

Hocutt explained that the decision is about protecting the players and the program’s success. “We have an opportunity, and we are on the cusp of a very special football season,” he said. “I ask the Red Raider nation to continue to give these players, the team, and all of our Red Raiders all of our support and energy.” He added that while the tortilla toss has been a fun tradition, it’s time for fans to focus on helping the team win instead of risking penalties. 

Joey McGuire’s statement following the ban

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire supported the school’s decision to end the tortilla-throwing tradition, even though it wasn’t easy for him or the fans. “I wish that we were doing it at 7-0,” McGuire admitted, showing his frustration after the team’s recent loss. He added that both he and athletic director Kirby Hocutt had always backed the tradition in the past, but safety concerns and fines forced them to take action. “It’s frustrating and I know that everybody is frustrated coming off a loss, but we had been talking about this either way,” McGuire explained, hinting that the decision was long overdue.

Looking ahead, McGuire urged fans to stay positive and continue backing the Red Raiders as they approach the final stretch of the season. “Three of our last five games are at home,” he said. “It’s going to be extremely important to win at home and protect the Jones. I know the fan base will get behind us.”

To help with the new rule, Hocutt said stadium staff will check fans at the gates and ask them to throw away any tortillas before entering. He ended by reminding everyone that the Red Raiders’ strength comes from their passion and support, not from tossing tortillas. “Let’s help, not hurt, our football team,” he said.