The Big 12 won’t have a problem with players making the “Horns Down” sign during games this season, as long as it’s done quickly and not directed toward an opponent.
“Like any play, there is a degree — who it’s directed at,” Big 12 coordinator of officials Greg Burks said Tuesday at Big 12 media days in Arlington, Texas. “If they do it in their bench area, we’re not going to look at it. It would be like any other celebration foul, so it has to be like any other foul we have. Does it rise to the level we need to deal with that?”
The signal, long used to mock the Texas Longhorns’ traditional “Hook ‘Em Horns” sign, has become a point of controversy recently. Last year, West Virginia stars David Sills V and Will Grier were penalized for making the sign during a win over Texas.
“It’s a hot topic,” Burks said. “I know people want us to be definitive on that, but it’s like any touchdown celebration. Is it directed at an opponent or just celebration with your teammates?”
Burks added that making the sign with teammates will be regarded much more favorably than individual demonstrations.
“When we have discussed it, by rule, anything that’s prolonged to bring attention to the individual rather than the team is a foul,” Burks said. “My advice is if you want to do that, do it back in your bench area. Do it back with teammates. Get away from where you are an individual drawing attention to yourself.”
