Security workers get physical with fans after Houston's victory over Temple
The University of Houston athletics department and university police are investigating the actions of contracted security personnel after they became physical with fans who attempted to celebrate the Cougars’ American Athletic Conference championship win against Temple on Saturday by running onto the field.
At the end of No. 18 Houston’s 24-13 victory against the No. 21 Owls, Contemporary Services Corporation (CSC) Event staffers appeared to aggressively punch and tackle fans. In one video capturing the scene, another staffer can be heard telling a security guard who had just slammed a fan to the ground to let them go.
“After viewing initial videos of today's postgame activity, I am extremely disappointed and angered with the actions taken by individuals employed by our security contractor CSC. We are working with the University of Houston police to review today's activities and will take swift and appropriate action including the termination of our current contract with CSC and any legal action deemed necessary.” Houston Vice President for Athletics Hunter Yurachek said in a statement released to Paste BN Sports Saturday night..
Asked to clarify whether "legal action" mentioned in the statement referred to the contract with CSC or to possible assault charges, Houston athletics spokesman David Bassity replied via email, "Pertaining actions deemed assault."
An email to CSC chief operating officer Devan Schulz was not immediately returned. She told the Houston Chronicle via email that the company is aware of the videos and is investigating the actions of the security personnel.
"Training is provided to CSC employees for responding to such situations,” Schulz told the Chronicle. “Any actions by CSC personnel that contradict our training, CSC’s other requirements, or the law, are not condoned by CSC and will not be tolerated.”
The fans appeared to be mainly students rushing the field, a scene not uncommon in college athletics. The Southeastern Conference, however, fines schools when fans rush the field or basketball court.
Houston has enjoyed a banner season under first-year coach Tom Herman, who was given a five-year extension on Friday. The Cougars are 12-1 and likely headed to a major bowl, possibly the Chick-fil-A Peach in Atlanta..