Viral video: Texas fan permanently banned from DKR Stadium

AUSTIN, Texas - A Texas Longhorns fan will no longer be able to attend games at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium after a video he was in went viral.

The backstory:

The video was captured by FOX 7 Austin photojournalist Anthony Geromino on Oct. 17 after the Texas Longhorns were upset by the Florida Gators 27-24.

A fan is seen in the video holding up his phone and his middle finger and directing towards Florida players.

Geronimo posted the video on X and the video has nearly four million views.

What they're saying:

In the weekly Forty Acres Insider, University of Texas at Austin Athletics Director Chris Del Conte issued a response to the viral video saying the fan will no longer be able to attend games at DKR and apologizing to the University of Florida and its football program.

"In closing, I want to address the video circulating on social media showing unacceptable behavior by an individual who had the privilege of field access following Saturday's game. We pride ourselves on sportsmanship and treating our opponents with respect."

"This individual's actions did not reflect those values or meet our standards and will not be tolerated. The matter has been addressed internally, and I want to personally apologize to the University of Florida and its entire football program."

"Having access to our field comes with a responsibility to represent Texas with class and respect. This individual failed to uphold that responsibility and has been permanently banned from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium."

UT Austin students have mixed reactions

Local perspective:

While students on the UT Austin campus largely agreed that the gesture was unsportsmanlike, several expressed that a permanent ban from DKR Stadium goes too far.

"I don't think his actions represent UT, and he definitely should face repercussions," said freshman Madison Fillmore. "The fact that you're taking a football loss, which is so trivial, to flip someone off...I think that is just sad."

Sophomore Nick Sharma said he understands the high emotions behind a loss, even if he disapproves of the fan's target.

"I'd really want to root for that team, and when they lost, I would just be so devastated," Sharma said. "I really get how he feels; however, I don't agree with how he reacted, especially directly towards the opponent's team."

Sharma added that he believes in leniency over a permanent ban. "I feel like he should get a second chance. Maybe he should kick a field goal to redeem himself," he said.

Other students pointed to a double standard between fan discipline and on-field conduct penalties for athletes.

"Banned for life, I disagree with," said senior Nicholas Perez. "Football players make obscene [gestures]. Colin Simmons did something that was borderline questionable against Ohio State. And what was his punishment? A 15-yard penalty, maybe the coach made him run."

Despite the mixed student opinions, athletic department officials maintained that upholding sportsmanship standards remains paramount, enforcing that sideline privileges come with strict accountability.

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