Big 12 Championship Game Marred by Threatening Emails, Racist Messages

Strategic Insights -

As the Nebraska Cornhuskers face off against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Big 12 championship game, the conference has been left reeling from a flood of threatening and racist emails and voice-mail messages. At least 2,000 hostile messages were sent to Commissioner Dan Beebe and his staff, with some carrying explicit threats of violence. The controversy stems from what some Nebraska fans perceived as unfair treatment in the Cornhuskers' final season in the Big 12, including a one-game suspension of linebacker Eric Martin and 16 penalties they were assessed in a November loss at Texas A&M.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Big 12 conference has catalogued over 2,000 threatening and racist emails and voice-mail messages sent to Commissioner Dan Beebe and his staff.
  • The messages were prompted by what some Nebraska fans perceived as unfair treatment in the Cornhuskers' final season in the Big 12, including a one-game suspension of linebacker Eric Martin and 16 penalties they were assessed in a November loss at Texas A&M.
  • The conference will remain on alert in the days leading up to the title game in Arlington, Texas, with Commissioner Beebe stating that "we have to pay attention if there are continuing threats and stuff that come into our office."
  • The Big 12 championship game will feature the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Oklahoma Sooners, with the winner advancing to the Fiesta Bowl.
  • The controversy has sparked a larger discussion about fan behavior and the impact of social media on sports.
  • Commissioner Beebe stated that while the hostile messages were "very vile, just disgusting stuff," he hopes that it is only a small number of fans who are responsible for the behavior.

Statistics:

  • At least 2,000 threatening and racist emails and voice-mail messages were sent to Commissioner Dan Beebe and his staff.
  • Neil O'Donnell (AP), in a supporting article, stated: "The conference has catalogued the messages and turned them over to an individual who works on a contract basis with NFL security, 'and he's going to get them to the proper authorities to call on the people or check them out to see if there's legitimate reason to be concerned,' "
  • The Nebraska Cornhuskers are leaving the Big 12 conference for the Big Ten at the end of the school year.
  • The Big 12 winner will go to the Fiesta Bowl.

Sources:

  • Associated Press (Neil O'Donnell)
  • Big 12 Conference Statement
  • ESPN (Big 12 Conference Championship Game)