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PDF versionPROVO -- BYU's Max Hall tried to clarify his feelings towards rival in a statement he released Sunday night.
"I want to take the opportunity to clarify and apologize for a few of my remarks after the game yesterday. Last year at RES (Utah's Rice-Eccles Stadium) my family was spit on, had beer dumped on them, and were physically assaulted on several occasions. They had to endure extremely vile comments personally attacking my wife, my mother, other family members, and our religion. They had to be escorted to their car by local police.
"As a result of what happened to my family last year this rivalry became personal, and in the heat of the moment yesterday I made comments toward the entire university that were really directed specifically at those fans in RES.
"It was not intended to be directed at the entire organization and all of their fans and I apologize that it came out that way. I have the upmost respect for Kyle Whittingham, his coaching staff, and the Utah football players. I apologize to them and other members of the university for my comments. I'm also sorry if my comments took anything away from my teammates and coaches and our victory Saturday. The BYU-Utah game is a great rivalry, but no one should be treated the way my family was last year. I'm hoping that BYU and Utah fans can take steps to prevent future incidents at the game."
Saturday, the BYU quarterback burned his in-state rivals with a touchdown pass in overtime, then blasted them with some scathing comments after the 18th-ranked Cougars' 26-23 win over the No. 22 Utes.
"I don't like Utah. In fact, I hate them. I hate everything about them. I hate their program, their fans. I hate everything," Hall said. "It felt really good to send those guys home."
Hall's blunt remarks will probably get a reprimand from the Mountain West Conference, but he didn't seem too concerned. The Cougars (10-2, 7-1) beat the Utes (9-3, 6-2) for the third time in four years.
"I think the whole university and their fans and the organization is classless," Hall said. "They threw beer on my family and stuff last year and did a whole bunch of nasty things. I don't respect them and they deserved to lose."
Hall has been issued a public reprimand for comments which disparaged and criticized another MWC member institution following the Utah at BYU football contest. The actions of Mr. Hall were in violation of the MWC Sportsmanship Rule.
